HopCycle N3 Electric Scooter

HopCycle lists a 500 W motor, without saying rated or peak, and three riding modes of 6, 12 and 20 mph, run through an app it calls Voltix. The 12 mph mode keeps it under California's 15 mph limit (Vehicle Code §22411), and 20 mph is right at New York's line: its e-scooter definition covers scooters that cannot exceed 20 mph (VTL §114-e). In the 20 mph mode it is not under New Jersey's 19 mph line for a legal e-scooter. Scooters are not e-bikes, so the US e-bike classes do not apply. California also requires a driver's license or instruction permit (§21235), and Pennsylvania does not allow e-scooters on public roads.

The battery is 36 V and 7.8 Ah, which is 280.8 Wh, and HopCycle claims 15 to 21 miles. We estimate about 10 to 13 miles at full speed for a 175 to 180 lb rider, by dividing 280.8 Wh by 22 to 27 watt-hours per mile, a band from published full-speed tests. The 12 mph mode will go further. That suits trips of about 5 miles each way. A full charge takes about 4 hours.

Braking is the part to read twice. The N3's bullets describe "a rear hub brake with power cutoff on the left handlebar", and the product table says "Rear Braking". The family title promises a double braking system, but nothing on the N3 option describes a second brake, so plan on one brake at the rear wheel. A rear-only brake takes longer to stop than front and rear brakes together, which matters more at 20 mph than at 12.

It rides on 8.5-inch solid tires on a rigid frame, so it is firm on rough pavement and cannot get a flat. It is rated IPX4 against splashes, which covers light rain, not puddles or a hose. At 28.4 lb it is the lightest of the W3C and N3 scooters we cover, light enough to carry up a flight of stairs. The rider limit is 264 lb, HopCycle says it suits riders 14 and up, and the warranty is 180 days.

The listing states "Safety certified to ANSI/CAN/UL 2272 by TÜV Rheinland". Naming the lab is more than most scooters at this price do; we could not verify the certificate in TÜV Rheinland's directory. That matters in New York City, where Local Law 39 requires e-scooters sold there to be certified to UL 2272, and in California, which has required UL 2272 battery testing for motorized scooters sold there since January 1, 2026. No CPSC recall found for HopCycle as of October 2026. Our electric scooter safety guide covers what to check.

• HopCycle N3 DS ($215.99 as of Oct 22, 11:10 AM EDT, subject to change): the dual-suspension HopCycle, with a front swing arm, rear shock, air tires, a rear disc and turn signals on the same 500 W motor and 280.8 Wh battery. It weighs 36.5 lb, 8.1 lb more, and its listing makes no UL 2272 claim.
• WAWSCOTE W3C ($159.99 as of Oct 22, 11:10 AM EDT, subject to change): the same battery and motor with an electronic front brake as well as a rear drum, for about 3 to 7 lb more. The pick if you want two brakes.
• MAXSHOT V1 ($149.99 as of Oct 22, 11:10 AM EDT, subject to change): Amazon's #2, 350 W and 19 mph with an electronic brake plus a drum and a 1-year warranty, but no water rating.
• Hiboy S2 ($299.98 as of Oct 22, 11:10 AM EDT, subject to change): the same 280.8 Wh from a maker that publishes its test conditions, with rear shocks and a rear disc brake, at 35.5 lb and a higher price.

Buy the N3 if you carry your scooter as much as you ride it, keep to the 12 mph mode on busy streets, ride up to about 5 miles each way and weigh under 264 lb. Pick the Dark black or Gray option. Skip it if you want two brakes for 20 mph riding, a warranty longer than six months, or a softer ride than solid tires give. Our best electric scooters under $200 guide compares the budget best sellers.