Riding an e-scooter can be fun if it weren’t for the many potholes. In the test, the “off-road” scooter IO Hawk Collide shows that it is up to the task.
IO HAWK Collide tested
4 reviews
design and processing
6.0
equipment and components
8.0
Full of anticipation, with top speed into the pothole
The IO Hawk Collide convinces us with its suspension, which even irons out deep potholes. There are weaknesses in detail in the processing. The turn signals are bright and practical, but roughly attached. The cable routing could also be improved. Due to the high weight, the e-scooter is more suitable for the mobile home than for daily use at work.
We liked that
- Effective suspension
- Compact foldable
- NFC immobilizer
- Extensive equipment
- Long range
We didn’t like that
- High weight
- Exposed cables
- Attachment of the rear indicators
contents
Design and workmanship: who swapped the tires?
Boot process with NFC key card only
Test drive: The suspension works!
The engine is less powerful than hoped
Folding process: if only it weren’t for the heavy weight
We also noticed that
Conclusion & alternatives
E-scooters have natural limits. You are not allowed to drive much faster than 20 km/h. Extreme inclines force the engines to their knees. And every time a curb comes into view, they usually say: please get off!
IO Hawk has not only been producing e-scooters or electric roller skates that are worth seeing since yesterday. You can look back on some experience in “off-road” matters. In 2019, for example, we were able to test the brand’s deep-treaded e-scooter, the Exit Cross.
The IO Hawk Collide is well equipped for driving over bad roads. (Source: Netzwelt)
Four years later, the IO Hawk Collide, the next bad-road scooter with the deep-treaded rear wheel, appeared. At first glance, you can see where the manufacturer saw potential for improvement. The technical data in quick succession.
- Drive: Brushless hub motor with 500 watts / 48 volts
- Weight: 23 kilograms
- Folding mechanism: handlebar ends and handlebars
- Suspension: Dual suspension front and rear
- Maximum speed: 20 km/h
- Dimensions: Unfolded: 126x65x122cm / Folded: 126x22x55cm
- Maximum driver weight: 120 kilograms
- Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes
- Tire size: 8 inches (solid rubber rear wheel, air-filled front wheel)
- Maximum incline angle: 20 percent
- Features: NFC lock, optional turn signals
- Protection class: IP54
- Price: 1,099 euros
- Price with indicator set: 1,299 euros
Design and workmanship: who swapped the tires?
A look at the quite impressive spring elements of the scooter makes it clear: they obviously mean business here! Above all, the powerful front suspension promises anything but a “pothole detector”.
The manufacturer’s choice of tires seems a bit incomprehensible to us. While a real, air-filled, eight-inch off-road tire was mounted at the front, the rear wheel rim is adorned with a tire with a much more moderate solid rubber profile. Like most other models, the e-scooter is powered by a rear wheel hub motor. Be prepared for a spinning rear wheel off-road or on wet meadows.
Okay – the manufacturer doesn’t want the Collide to be understood as a genuine off-road scooter either, but as a “hybrid model” for use on roads and in slightly demanding terrain. And at least the solid rubber tire on the rear wheel can never lose air.
Light and the optional indicators are arranged much better than with the Exit Cross. You can control all lighting elements from the cockpit using switches, there are no more “blind” buttons.
We expressly welcome the indicators on the test scooter. Anyone who has ever signaled turning maneuvers with hand signals while riding the e-scooter will certainly see it in a similar way. It’s not that easy to keep the balance.
However, we have to criticize the way the manufacturer integrates the indicators. While the front signal transmitters are still ideally integrated into the handlebar ends, there is a conspicuously sloppily routed cable at the back.
Boot process with NFC key card only
A small feature of the IO Hawk Collide is its access system. To start the scooter, you need a small NFC card. This can help deter casual thieves from stealing the electric scooter.
IO Hawk Collide – Pictures from everyday testing
After successful unlocking, the controls wake up. We’re looking at a large, round LCD instrument cluster that displays speed, range, and miles traveled. The display is flawless and easy to read at all times thanks to the backlight. If you switch on the scooter but don’t move it, the system switches off automatically after around 5 minutes.
Test drive: The suspension works!
A bit annoying: The Collide has three speed levels that you can adjust using the controls. As a rule, you will drive at the highest level, because the maximum speed can only be reached here. But every time you switch off the e-scooter, speed level 1 is selected.
Our first few meters with the e-scooter lead us over a dirt dirt road. This is already evident: the spring elements do their job effectively. We were not so relaxed and confident with our last e-scooter, the NIU KQI3 Max, at this point.
The battery built into the running board (IO Hawk promises a range of up to 67 kilometers) provides additional stability. The ergonomics are also right thanks to the easily height-adjustable handlebars with nice and wide grips.
The engine is less powerful than hoped
The hub motor installed in the rear wheel has a nominal output of 500 watts. But not only on loose ground, but also on flat, tarred inclines, he runs out of breath sooner than expected – the Collide becomes a scooter, even on inclines below the specified maximum gradient of 20 percent.
As a rule, however, there is little to criticize about the power of the test scooter. The thrust comes on a little abruptly, but you can get used to that. This also applies to “accelerating” with the thumb switch. The internal display shows us 23 km/h as the maximum speed.
Folding process: if only it weren’t for the heavy weight
The “Collide” already bears its folding properties in its name. Not only can the handlebar rod be lowered completely, but both handlebar ends can also be folded down. Metal dust trickles towards us when we release the handlebar lock. This does not impede the function itself, but it is a big blemish.
The Collide can be folded relatively compactly. However, its heavy weight stretches your arms when you carry it. (Source: Netzwelt)
We are also not completely satisfied with the well-functioning, bright indicators. After all, they cost an additional 200 euros and are attached quite unconventionally. The two LED turn signals are held in place by a spring alone, which we probably lost when driving over cobblestones. Now they are dangling loosely from the case.
But the Collide’s real “problem” is its weight. As soon as the e-scooter is folded up in front of you, you have to lift a solid 23 kilograms. What still seems fine when you lift it out of the trunk is annoying when you get off the train or the first big flight of stairs on the way to work.
We also noticed that
- The Collide has two charging ports. You can actually charge it with two chargers at the same time, cutting the charging time in half from 7.5 to 3.25 hours. However, only one power supply is included in the scope of delivery.
- The gradation of the three speed modes is: 9 km/h, 14 km/h and 20 km/h.
- After a period of non-use, the scooter will switch off automatically.
IO HAWK Collide
4 reviews
design and processing
6.0
equipment and components
8.0
IO HAWK Collide: The best alternatives
Don’t you agree? Are you looking for suitable alternatives? Below are the best IO HAWK Collide alternatives. You can find an even more extensive list in our electric scooter overview.
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