INOKIM Light 2 Review

Design

Handlebars

The handlebars on the Light 2 are compact, sleek, and easy to use. Like all the INOKIM models, the handlebars are made of the same cast aluminum as the stem, which adds to their quality and gives the cockpit a premium feel. What I like about the Light 2 is that the handlebars are tilted slightly backward, giving you a more ergonomic feel.

One area that I’m not a huge fan of, though, is the foam handgrips. While they do their job and are somewhat comfortable, I would have preferred these to be rubber, especially given the premium price tag.

Moving onto the thumb throttle, this is another excellent feature of the Light 2. In fact, it’s one of the best of its kind, second only to the INOKIM Quick 4’s throttle. Because of its placement, shape, and grip, holding it down for long periods is comfortable.

Last but not least, the simple LCD display takes pride of place next to the throttle. While it serves its purpose fulfilling its role as an easy-to-use device that enables you to both keep an eye on your riding stats and change the settings of the scooter (for instance, adjusting the top speed), it doesn’t win any design awards with its outdated plastic casing.

Frame

I’m a big fan of INOKIM’s styling, and the Light 2 follows suit. From the thin samurai-sword-esque telescopic stem to the curvature of the chunky rear fender and everything in between, it’s all a work of art.

The overall look of the Light 2 is similar to that of the other INOKIM models – like the Quick 3. Even the smaller details like the red accents on the handlebars, lime green cables, and sleek branding that reveals itself as you pull the telescopic up, have been executed with precision.

And that brings me on to the five color options – black, white, blue, green, and orange. Unlike the majority of scooters that we review, INOKIM is one of the few brands to spice up the paintwork of their models by forging the traditional muted black tones in favor of bright colors that highlight the Light 2’s premium frame.

Deck

Overall, the Light 2’s deck is good.

First off, despite being an ultra-compact scooter, there’s ample room to strike a stance that feels comfortable and natural – which is more than what can be said for its big bro, the INOKIM Quick 4. This model suffers from a short deck measuring just 15.5 inches. By comparison, the Light 2’s deck is 2.8 inches longer. The deck offers plenty in the way of grip, too, thanks to a thick strip of grip tape that runs through its center. This keeps you firmly planted at all times.

Secondly, the deck has a ground clearance of just 2.2 inches, which is low and brings both pros and cons. On the upside, because of how low the deck is to the ground, you get the sensation that you are surfing along the city streets. The downside is that the deck can scrape on curbs, meaning you either need to build up speeds to fly off the end of a curb or stop, pick the scooter up, and place it back down again. To put the lack of clearance into perspective, its competitors – the Apollo City and Turboant X7 Pro – both have 4.5 inches of ground clearance which is just over double that of the Light 2.

Wheels

Another area where the Light 2 impresses is in the tire department. Previously sporting two 8.5-inch pneumatic tires, INOKIM upgraded the Light 2 to feature a never-flat tire at the rear.

With the addition of the new tire technology, INOKIM has successfully closed the gap between air-filled and solid rubber tires. On the one hand, brands opt for air-filled tires to benefit from the comfortable riding experience that they provide, and on the other, solid tires are chosen for their inability to get flats, making them virtually maintenance-free. With the Light 2, INOKIM has equipped it with the best of both worlds.

When looking at the scooters that I recommend as alternatives, they all have pneumatic tires except the Unagi E500 which has solid rubber tires. While there’s no chance of these getting a puncture and Unagi claiming that the tires have inbuilt suspension – by which they are referring to air-pockets that have been cut out of the solid rubber for increased shock absorption – their performance isn’t as good as those on the Light 2.

Build Quality & Durability

If you’re familiar with INOKIM, you’ll know all about their superior build quality. The Light 2, just like the rest of INOKIM’s lineup, maintains its reputation for excellent build quality.

Before the Light 2 was upgraded, one of its main drawbacks was a lack of water-resistance rating which was always a sting in the tail. But, with the addition of the IPX4 rating resulting in the scooter being protected from splashes of water from all directions, we can happily wave goodbye to the only factor of build quality that used to let it down.

Just as I said in my review of the INOKIM Quick 4, from the moment you lay your hands on it, you can feel its superior build quality oozing out of every joint, lever, and bolt. The difference in quality between the Light 2 and a budget scooter like the Turboant X7 Pro is worlds apart, and even compared to the popular Apollo City and VSETT 8, the craftsmanship in its design and the quality of materials used is immediately noticeable.

One of the main reasons for its luxurious build is that the Light 2 isn’t an OEM production model. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer – whose role it is to provide the components in another company's product.

A little unknown secret about the scooter industry is that some brands take pre-made units and kit out the uniformly made frames with their branding and different batteries. For example, the Apollo City is an OEM model whose frame is identical to the Zero 9. Similarly, the Turboant X7 Pro is the same model as the Levy Plus.

Where this differs from the Light 2 is that INOKIM is vertically integrated, meaning that every component used in the scooter is made from within their production vertical. Ultimately, this means that the Light 2 is unique to INOKIM and this has several benefits.

Firstly, because each component has been designed with additional detail and is made using precise CNC machinery that cuts out single pieces from one big piece of aluminum, INOKIM produces scooters that fit together seamlessly with zero welds.

Secondly, all of INOKIM’s designs are exclusive to them – no other brand can replicate them, and as a result, a higher level of build quality is achieved than models that are made for mass-production.

For example, the smooth samurai-sword-esque design of the telescopic stem is unique to INOKIM, and it’s details like this that make the difference between scooters that have good build quality and those that are great.

Weight & Load

With the word ‘light’ in its name, the Light 2 can’t be anything but, can it?

Well, true to its name, it weighs just 30 lbs, and by our definition of ultra-portable, you can’t get much better than the Light 2.

As for the maximum load capacity, the Light 2 can handle 220 lbs of rider weight. As a rule of thumb, I suggest choosing a scooter that can support 40 lbs more than your weight to get the best performance from it. So, in the case of the Light 2, if you weigh over 180 lbs, I’d look at the alternative scooters that I’ve recommended.

The Unagi E500 and Turboant X7 Pro support 275 lbs and are closely followed by the Apollo City and VSETT 8 with 265 lbs. Alternatively, the only other scooter in the Light 2’s price class to hold more weight than all others is the EMOVE Touring. This is another fantastic portable scooter and it can hold up to 308 lbs, making it ideal for heavier riders.

Folding & Portability

Like many other scooters in the commuter bracket, the Light 2 has a cantilever folding mechanism that is simple in its design and takes mere seconds to use. But where the Light 2 shines is in its wealth of other folding mechanisms, including the handlebars that fold down parallel to either side of the stem, and the telescopic stem that shrinks the length of the scooter into an ultra-compact and portable shape primed for carrying and stashing away out of sight.

To put the folded size of the Light 2 into perspective, this is how it compares to the scooters that I recommend as alternatives:

Assembly

Because of the retractable stem and foldable handlebars, the Light 2 comes ready to go out of the box. You will, however, want to make sure that the brake levers, display, and throttle are fastened into place.

Ride Quality

Is the INOKIM Light 2 Comfortable to Ride?

From the slightly swept-back handlebars to the grippy deck, low-center of gravity, and 8.5-inch tires, the Light 2’s design addresses almost every area needed for rider comfort.

While the handlebars, deck, and tires all combine to deliver exceptional stability and handling, the Light 2 is confined to the realms to well-kept roads and sidewalks – anything beyond this as you begin to venture out onto rougher pothole-ridden terrain will see ride quality decline.

Overall, the Light 2 has the credentials to deliver a good level of ride quality but the one area that is lacking is a suspension system. For the premium price of the Light 2, it would have been nice to have some form of suspension integrated into the design. For example, when we take a look at its closest rival, the Apollo City, this model boasts the same 8.5-inch air-filled tires but couples these with a front and rear suspension system that smooths out vibrations from cracks and crevices.

If INOKIM would have fitted the Light 2 with the same spring and rubber suspension as on the INOKIM Quick 4, the Light 2’s ride quality would be excellent. But then again, this would add significantly to its weight and may result in the Light 2 losing its crown as the most portable scooter.

Performance & Safety

Top Speed

The Light 2 has a top speed of 21 mph, but how does it compare to others in its price and weight class?

Let’s take a look.

Speed vs Price Comparison

When we put $250 on either side of the Light 2’s $999 price tag, there are 15 comparable models, and as you can see from the chart below, speed isn’t the Light 2’s strongest suit.

The INOKIM Light 2 places towards the bottom of the pack mainly as a result of its small 36V 350W motor. By comparison, the fastest of the bunch – the EVOLV Tour 2.0 – has a motor that operates at a higher voltage (typically higher voltage equates to increased torque and acceleration) and a motor that is 71% larger than the size of the Light 2’s (600W).

However, if you want a model with the same size motor as the EVOLV, but takes ride quality up a notch, then the VSETT 8 (19.2Ah) is the one for you. The only reason the VSETT 8 has a slightly slower top speed is that it weighs more than the EVOVL – but what it loses in top speed it makes up for with its superior spring and swingarm suspension.

Speed vs Weight Comparison

When looking at the variable of weight there are 17 comparable scooters that sit 5 lbs on either side of the Light 2’s 30 lbs.

Surprisingly, the Light 2 makes an impressive comeback compared to the prior speed vs price comparison, taking first place. Or does it…

While the Light 2 has the fastest top speed on paper, if we pay closer attention to the top scooters, the Unagi E500 could be considered the fastest since it is the only one to sport dual motors (250W x2). As a result, it’s able to hit 15 mph 23% faster than the Light 2. However, my major gripe with this model is that it has solid tires which result in a bumpy, uncomfortable ride. This, unfortunately, detracts from an otherwise beautifully designed scooter.

Acceleration

While the Light 2 has one of the highest top speeds in its weight class, it’s slow at pulling off the start line.

The best way to describe the Light 2’s acceleration is sluggish. It does, however, beat the Turboant X7 Pro. Despite the X7 Pro being equipped with the same size motor and battery, the reason why it takes longer to get off the line is that it is a front-wheel drive, as opposed to rear like the Light 2.

The X7 Pro is a good option if mileage is important to you, however, if you want to save a bunch of money, you can always opt for the X7 Pro’s sibling, the Turboant M10. The M10 benefits from a rear motor and an acceleration rate that beats the Light 2 (5.4 to 15 mph).

The Apollo City lays claim to the fastest acceleration, hitting 15 mph 28% faster thanks to its larger and more powerful 48V 600W motor.

Maximum Mileage

The Light 2 has a maximum mileage of 24 miles, but how does it compare to other scooters in its price and weight class? Let’s take a look.

Mileage vs Price Comparison

The Light 2 pulls up in the middle of the pack.

The VSETT 8’s large 48V 19.2Ah battery delivers almost 2.5 times more energy (921.6Wh vs 374.4Wh) than the Light 2’s 36V 10.4Ah battery. For clarity, Wh values are a measure of battery voltage multiplied by battery size (Ah). The higher the number, the more energy the battery can hold, and the longer the range. In this case, the VSETT 8 (19.2Ah) delivers a maximum mileage that is 58% greater (equivalent to 14 more miles).

Mileage vs Weight Comparison

When comparing the Light 2 to the 17 other scooters in its weight class (25-35 lbs), it performs well, bagging second place on the podium.

The top scooter in the rankings is the Turboant X7 Pro with a maximum range of 30 miles, which is 6 more than the Light 2.

The X7 Pro, is, however, a budget scooter, and it’s not in the same league as the Light 2 where build quality is concerned. Having said that, it’s a great option if you’re on a tight budget.

The X7 Pro also benefits from having a detachable battery, meaning you can double up on the 30 mile range if you buy the scooter and a second battery.

Hill Climbing

As with a few of the INOKIM scooters we’ve reviewed, we were unable to find a manufacturer-quoted figure for the Light 2. But not all is lost because based on our database of 100+ scooters and years of testing, we estimate the max hill-climbing incline to be around 10 degrees — which equates to a gradual incline.

Don’t expect the Light 2 to be quick at climbing hills, either, because it’s far from it. Having said that, it’s not the slowest – that unfortunate accolade is held by GoTrax’s cheapest models.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

Like the INOKIM Quick 3, the Light 2 doesn’t have suspension, and instead, it relies on its plush air-filled tire at the front, and never-flat at the rear to soak up the bumps in the road. While they do a good job of cushioning the ride, the Light 2 is best suited to roads in good conditions, rather than bumpy terrain.

Of all the scooters I recommended as alternatives, the VSETT 8 has the best suspension, consisting of both a front and rear spring that is accompanied by dual swingarms. So, if you’re looking for a scooter that’ll eat up the rough stuff, this is the best scooter.

Braking

The Light 2’s brakes are good.

Just 44% of all scooters in the INOKIM’s price class have dual mechanical brakes. The Light 2 is one of these with low-maintenance, yet effective, front and rear drum brakes.

When the brakes are engaged, the motor is automatically switched off to aid stopping power, and this plays a role in their ability to bring the scooter to a stop in 3.4 meters from 15 mph.

For even better performance, the Apollo City stops in 3.1 meters, while the VSETT 8 can bring you to a halt in 3.2 meters.

Charge Time

The charging time for the Light 2 is 5 hours.

Extra Features

LCD Display

While the design of the display is outdated and doesn’t match the sleek, slender nature of the rest of the frame, it is simple in its approach yet effective.

It does everything you’d expect it to, including displaying riding stats such as your speed, distance traveled, and battery status, as well as allowing you to select one of three riding modes which start at 6 mph and gradually increase to full speed. You can also use the display to change the speed limit, adjust the brightness of the display, and change the status of the cruise control feature.

Accompanying the display is the ergonomic thumb throttle. While it is comfortable to use, if you choose to turn the cruise control setting “on”, then after maintaining the same speed with the throttle depressed for 10 seconds, cruise control will engage, meaning you can take your thumb off the throttle and enjoy the ride as the scooter maintains its speed.

LED Lights That Turn on Automatically When Dark

The Light 2 has a simple lighting set-up. At the front, a reflective headlight has been molded into the fender above the wheel, and at the rear, there’s a brake light.

Both sets of lights turn on automatically when it gets dark out, and the sensors for this are embedded into the thumb throttle.

Ultimately, the lights aren’t bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and so, I suggest attaching additional lights.

Optional Seat Attachment

There might come a time where you’ve had enough of standing up and would prefer to ride sitting down. Thankfully, the Light 2 has an optional seat attachment that easily hooks onto the scooter’s deck. Out of the box, it comes with everything you need, and the set-up time isn’t long at all.

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

Buying the Light 2 via INOKIM’s official retailer, Fluid Free Ride will secure you a 12-month warranty.

As to be expected, consumables including tires, tire tubes, and brake pads, aren’t covered, and neither is general wear and tear, nor is damage as a result of collisions, accidents, or environmental factors. What is covered though is manufacturing defects.

While retailers fulfill the 12-month warranties that scooters typically come with, not all of them absorb labor fees. Here, I am referring to the costs associated with fixing your scooter while it is under warranty. Fluid Free Ride, however, is one of the few that takes care of labor costs for you. Plus, even after the warranty expires, they provide a lifetime service commitment of 50% off parts and labor.

Post-Purchase Support

Whether you need help with the buying process or technical support for troubleshooting an issue with your scooter, Fluid Free Ride has teams dedicated to both. I’ve personally seen their service center where they repair and maintain scooters, and so I regard them highly for their technical support.