With the beautiful days coming, here is the opportunity to switch to soft mobility with the use of scooters and other electric bikes. In the case of scooters, I decided to test models that are as well suited to the streets of our cities as to the roads of our countryside with a good battery life.
After the Navee N65, I set my sights on the Eleglide S1 Plus. The reason for this choice? Comfort with 10-inch wheels, 45 km of theoretical battery life and a low price of less than $350.
| Features | Eleglide S1 Plus | Xiaomi PRO 2 | Navee N65 |
| Engine power | 400w | 600w | 500w |
| Battery capacity | 12500mAh 36V | 12800mAh | 12500mAh, 48v |
| Removable battery | Nope | Nope | Nope |
| Loading time | 6-7H | 8-9H | 7 to 8 hours |
| Display | Yes, dual LCD | Yes, LEDs | Yes Color LCD |
| Mode number | 3 + Pedestrian | 3 + Pedestrian | |
| Headlight | On the fender | On the handlebar | On the handlebar |
| Taillight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deflectors | Nope | Yes | Yes |
| Horn | Honk | doorbell | doorbell |
| Start block | Via key | Nope | Via App |
| Maximum theoretical autonomy | 45km | 45km | 65km |
| Max speed announced | 24km/h | 25km/h | 25km/h |
| Max slope | 20% | 20% | 25% |
| Tires | Inflatables | Inflatables | Inflatables |
| Size Tires | 10*2.3 inch | 8.5 inches | 10*3 inch |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suspension | Before | Yes | Nope |
| Adjustable handlebar | Yes | Nope | Yes |
| Rear brakes | disk | disk | disk |
| Front brakes | Nope | eABS | eABS |
| Waterproof | IPX4 | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Max weight supported | CN | 100kg | 120kg |
| Weight | 16kg | 14.2kg | 23.5kg |
| Unfolded size | 115 x 54 x 118cm | 1190 x 510 x 1220mm | |
| Folded size | 106 x 19 x 38cm | 1210 x 205 x 460mm | |
| Mobile app | Nope | Yes | Yes |
| Price | 350€ | 499€ | 590€ |
A DISTRIBUTOR BRAND
The Eleglide brand specializing in urban mobility, electric bikes and scooters, belongs to the Geekbuying or Alibaba stores.
Marketing your own products is a way to optimize logistics costs and margins in this period when everything is becoming more expensive. It is also an ability to better control quality through this direct relationship with the consumer.
Eleglide relies on factories that produce electric scooters by improving existing models. In the case of the S1 Plus I cannot confirm who it is but there is a great visual similarity with the smaller wheeled MiniMotors Speedway Mini Pro Lite.
The Eleglide S1 plus is an electric scooter model that targets consumers looking for generous autonomy with a controlled budget.
Most models sold in the $300 announce 25 km of theoretical distance which in fact translates to around 15 km. Too weak for many people who do not want to put themselves at risk between two recharges.
The Eleglide S1 Plus competes on paper with models like the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2, the Navee N65 in the best known but also brands like MiniMotors, Egret.Â
Here is a little comparison between this model and two major competitors.
ALMOST READY TO USE
The Eleglide scooter is delivered in a suitably protected double box.
Coming out of the box, the S1 Plus is almost ready to use. Even the handlebar is assembled.
You just have to screw his meter.
A User manual is provided which is always good to have.
The charger is a classic 42V at 2 Ah.
Visually, the Eleglide S1 PLUS scooter has nothing that “stands out”. The design/aesthetics are very classic with the use of plastic and metal and visible screws.
Wiring is simple and clean.
Maintenance, such as opening to access the battery and the controller, appears easy.
In the somewhat innovative points that I appreciated upon unpacking is the handlebar folding system. The side parts are bent for a reduced final lateral bulk.
Folding is easy via a lever. There seems to be some play when it is unfolded at the handlebar/deck connection, but this is due to a final blockage which only occurs when a user is positioned on the deck.
The handlebar is height adjustable from 98 to 118cm. It is a plus to adapt to all morphologies.
For the weight, it is reasonable given the service/battery: 16 kg.
GOOD LEVEL EQUIPMENT
The Eleglide S1 Plus scooter may be inexpensive, but it is still well equipped.
Its on-board computer is a 1.38-inch color screen module. It equips several other brands/models on the market.
It is a bit special because it incorporates the throttle rod on the side. Hidden underneath is a surprise USB socket.
This is enough to recharge a smartphone as a backup.
Eleglide incorporates a second screen that informs about the battery voltage and therefore about the remaining autonomy.
Interesting to understand the true level of residual charge provided you have the table below in mind for a 36v battery.
And yes the battery does not give anything at the approach of 30Ah!
On this module, an ignition key allows commissioning or locking. This may deter some thieves.
The front and rear lights are powered by the battery. The rear light indicates braking in progress for safety.
The position of the front light just above the wheel is not optimal. I would have preferred it to be at the level of the handlebars to better illuminate from a distance.
To be 100% compliant with the legislation, you must add side deflectors yourself.
Braking is by disc on the rear wheel. There are no eABS type brakes on the front wheel which incorporates the motor.
ON THE ROAD
Before driving, remember to check the tire pressure.
The Eleglide electric scooter is one of the most comfortable I have tested. This is to the credit of the wheels which are both wide (10 x 2.25 inches) and inflatable.
Inflatable wheels are better able to compensate for bumps in the road than solid ones. They are also safer on wet roads.
However, the risk of a puncture must be kept in mind.
A front suspension system is present but difficult to confirm how much it affects comfort.
The foot platform is 19 cm wide. The backing is non-slip.
The accelerator does not work when stationary. It is necessary to reach 6 km for the engine to start up. This is a security system that I appreciate. Electric bikes and scooters should never move forward just by pressing a button. This also has an interest in the battery which is less stressed during start-up.
Once the scooter is launched, you can adjust the speed via the acceleration trigger. Contrary to what I could have expected due to the good 400 watt motor, this acceleration remains progressive, even with a little latency between the support and the reaction.
The maximum speed of the S1 Plus scooter then depends on the mode selected via the counter, i.e. 9, 18 or 24km max.
The tests were carried out on country and city roads with approximate quality pavement with gradients and descents.
MORE THAN 30KM OF BATTERY LIFE
The brake works properly and stopping is assured with a reasonable distance. Again, we must thank the wide tires for gripping the road well.
For the coasts, I conducted the experiment on the famous road which has an average drop of 9.7% worth of a mountain.
Here, everything will depend on your weight. If you oscillate around 60 kg, the Eleglide scooter will succeed in propelling you with a reduced speed of 12 km.
If you weigh a lot more, there will be no alternative but to help him with his feet.
And autonomy now? With a 12500 mAh 36V battery, the Eleglide S1 Plus leaves with a good reserve of energy. The manufacturer promises in theory 45 km of distance but it must be considered that this measurement was made with the ECO mode, on a circuit, in good weather with a user with reduced weight (< 70 kg).
A classic rule is to take only 2/3 of this theoretical autonomy for reality, which corresponds to 30 km here. That’s what I was able to verify. This is well above all electric scooters at this price point.
IN THE TOP ELECTRIC SCOOTER 2022
With a price of only $335 at Alibaba, stock Europe, the Eleglide S1 Plus electric scooter is undoubtedly one of the best value for money of 2022.
Of honest manufacturing quality, it combines comfort and above all autonomy for long journeys without having to recharge. Its reasonable weight of 16 km allows it to be carried around by hand in transport.
Verdict of Eleglide S1 PlusÂ
The Eleglide S1 Plus scooter is not the sexiest in its category, but it has many advantages given its reduced price. First of all, there is the comfort provided by its large inflatable wheels, then it’s great battery life of 30 km minimum, which is rare on the market.
The strong points:Â
- Good battery life
- Serious design
- Comfortable
- Dual screen
- The price
To be improved:Â
- No side deflectors
- Front light position
