Stand practically everywhere in large cities. We’re referring to e-scooters, which for some people are a convenient and time-saving mode of transportation but for others are a bothersome annoyance in city traffic.
You can buy your own e-scooter if you don’t want to rent one. There is a vast selection, and particularly in Germany. It might be very expensive for you to drive on public roads if you choose a model without road permission!
In the test that follows, I discuss my interactions with the HIMO L2 Max e-scooter, which is available for close to 600 euros on reliable online retailers. The CE conformity of the e-scooter, which has been verified by the SGS-TÜV, is widely publicized.
HIMO L2 Max: Design and Appearance
The HIMO L2 Max’s appearance and construction are flawless. The wide (20 cm), forward-and-backward-bent footboard reminded me a lot of a skateboard. For a stable footing while driving, the running board is almost entirely rubberized. You should be aware that 100 kg is the maximum load capacity.
The HIMO L2 Max is protected from rain and splash water but does not provide the best water protection, according to IPX4. Avoid driving through any puddles.
Although closing or releasing the safety lever requires considerable force, the folding mechanism operates without any issues.
The safety lever has an additional clasp that keeps it from slipping off while you’re driving. The scooter, which weighs around 19 kg, may be carried by attaching the folded handlebars to the back tire with a mechanism.
The scooter’s folded dimensions are 118 x 49.5 x 120 cm. The size decreases to 118 x 49.5 x 50 cm when folded. This indicates that an electric scooter will just barely fit in a regular limousine’s trunk. Drivers of little cars should measure their trunks in advance. The scooter won’t fit in the Toyota Yaris’ trunk!
On the bottom, within a plastic box, the battery pack (36V 10.4Ah) is fairly unattractively wrapped. Here are some nicer solutions from other manufacturers. Through a charging connection on the side, the battery gets topped off. It is convenient to have a stand that is simple to unfold and accessible.
The e-scooter has a mechanical disc brake at the back and an electric brake up front for braking. In addition, there are electronic brake lights and reflectors on each side of the wheels.
There is an LED headlight in the lower third that can be turned on and off using a switch on the handlebars if we climb up along the handlebars. An LED display located in the centre of the handlebar itself shows the current speed, battery level, and riding mode.
On the right is the throttle lever. On the left and right are the braking levers. The power button would be located on the handlebars, along with a mechanical bell.
HIMO L2 Max: Motor and Driving
HIMO uses huge 10-inch pneumatic tires with a 62 mm tire width for its tires. I’ll talk more about how this impacts comfort later. The front wheel normally houses the 350W electric motor.
The HIMO L2 Max is easy to use. Climb aboard, get up speed, and use the throttle to control the speed. Pressing the power button for a brief period of time changes the driving mode. The appropriate driving mode is indicated by a colored “S” on the display. White indicates a top speed of 5 km/h. In a strict sense, the mode exists to facilitate pushing. Yellow indicates a speed limit of 18 km/h, while red activates the turbo, or up to 25 km/h.
Actually, these are all of the HIMO L2 Max’s features. There are no extras, such cruise control, anti-theft security, or an appropriate app.
This is also where the HIMO L2 Max’s drawback resides if you wish to use the e-scooter on German public roads. First off, the scooter lacks an ABE (general operating permit). Additionally, since the e-scooter does not adhere to the design-related maximum speed of up to 20 km/h, you cannot obtain an EBE (individual operating permission). This implies that the HIMO L2 Max can only be driven on private property in Germany and is not suitable for use on German roads.
You could actually cease testing the HIMO L2 Max at this time. On private property, though, we tested the scooter.
Even on uneven terrain, the ride was very comfortable, which we really enjoyed. You are firmly supported on the scooter with the large running board and the 10-inch tires. The acceleration is fluid. Without a significant steering angle, curves can be readily taken. The e-scooter easily handles slight inclines.
The HIMO L2 Max’s braking performance was likewise commendable. Gentle braking is not an issue because the braking effect is simple to dosage.
HIMO L2 Max: Battery and Range
The battery pack of new HIMO L2 Max has 40 type 18650 lithium-ion cells make up the 36V 10.4Ah, which is TÜV-tested in conformance by HIMO. The battery pack is monitored and guarded against short circuits, overheating, and overcharging by a BMS (Battery Management System). If the e-scooter is not moved for more than 5 minutes, the automated switch-off function provides additional protection.
The range, according to HIMO, is up to 40 kilometers. We were only able to test the e-scooter on private land, so we weren’t even close to exhausting the battery. The manufacturer’s criteria, which typically allude to minimal payload, a gradient-free path, and slow speeds, are perfect conditions, according to experience. In normal use, you should anticipate a range of 20 to 25 kilometres. It can take up to 6 hours to charge.
HIMO L2 Max: Conclusions
It’s unfortunate that we won’t be able to witness the HIMO L2 Max on German roads, at least not legally. Because the HIMO L2 Max is not street legal if you wish to operate the e-scooter in Germany, despite excellent craftsmanship, straightforward operation, and reliable handling.
Even though there are no frills like app control, interested parties from other European nations should definitely have a look at the HIMO because the price-performance ratio is good.
