Solar Hyperion

Overview

Solar has taken their performance lineup to an entirely new level with the release of the Solar Hyperion. Originally based in the UK, the company has expanded rapidly over the last few years, opening locations in Miami, Los Angeles, and soon New York. This heavy-duty electric scooter is their latest flagship model, and it commands a premium price tag of $3,300.

What immediately sets this scooter apart is its aesthetic flair. It is the first scooter in the world to feature electro-luminescent lighting along the base, which they call the Tron deck. You get four different lighting options, and the visual effect is absolutely beautiful in person.

It is important to note that the unit I tested is a prototype. If you purchase the retail version, yours will come with proper fenders. You also get a 2-year warranty and free shipping, which is a nice bonus considering this absolute beast of a scooter tips the scales at 110 lbs.

Real-World Performance

Power is the undisputed highlight of this machine, so I immediately took it out to see what the two 4500W nominal motors could do. The brand claims this scooter can top out at 65 mph, so I found a straightaway with a slight downhill grade to test it. With the throttle held completely down for three to four seconds, I ended up bouncing between 50 mph and 51 mph. Given my body weight of 180 lbs, I felt it was completely topped out. I was a bit bummed I didn't hit that 65 mph mark, as you expect maximum top-end power when paying this kind of money.

While the top speed fell short, the takeoff acceleration blew my mind. When I pushed the settings to the highest speed mode and Sport mode, the takeoff power was tremendous. I was able to hit 43 mph in just one city block. Later, with a fully charged battery on that exact same stretch, I hit 47 mph. That is hands down the fastest takeoff out of any scooter I have ever tried.

I also wanted to push its hill-climbing limits. I took it to a half-block-long hill with over a 20% grade. To make it as hard as possible, I started from a dead stop in the middle of the incline. I basically had to hang on for dear life as it quickly rocketed me straight to the top.

For stopping power, the Hyperion uses non-hydraulic brakes, with the right lever controlling the front and the left controlling the rear. I went into the advanced settings and turned the electronic regen braking up to level five. The braking wasn't jarring at all for light stops, but when I squeezed hard, it delivered massive stopping power, largely thanks to the enormous road tires gripping the pavement.

Design & Build Quality

When you step onto the Hyperion, the sheer size of it gives you immediate confidence. The deck is over a foot wide and two feet long. I had plenty of standing room, and the angled tail in the rear made it incredibly comfortable to brace myself during hard acceleration. There is also a sturdy rear handle, which you will absolutely need if you ever have to pop this 110 lb machine over a curb.

I am 5'11", and the stem height is exceptionally tall, coming right up to my lower chest. This height allowed for a nice bend in my arms while riding. They paired this tall stem with very wide handlebars, which perfectly matches the insane power output of the scooter by giving you maximum steering control at high speeds.

Overall, it is a super quiet ride. There is practically zero noise coming from the motors, and the 3-inch wide road-grade tires hum along silently. However, the fit and finish on my prototype had a couple of flaws. The wiring up front is a little messy, and the main Hyperion sticker was already starting to peel off the stem.

Key Features

Solar has packed a ton of customization into the display and controls. You get three primary riding modes in the advanced settings (Tour, Eco, and Sport) alongside the traditional five-speed modes. I love how the screen changes color as you cycle into higher performance modes. You can also easily cut power to a single motor just by hitting the power button, which makes a massive difference in taming the takeoff speed.

To keep all this power stable, Solar included an adjustable suspension system. You can dial in the rebound damping using a round dial near the swingarm, and adjust the overall spring tension at the bottom base. This is crucial for eliminating speed wobbles when you are flying past 40 mph.

Finally, Solar is developing a companion app that links directly to the scooter's display. When it works, it gives you turn-by-turn navigation right on the screen, showing a directional arrow and the exact feet remaining until your next turn. Since I was testing a prototype, there were still a few kinks in the app, but the control pads for the turn signals, horn, and bright front headlight all functioned flawlessly.

Who It's For

I would strongly recommend the Solar Hyperion to acceleration junkies who want the absolute fastest takeoff power money can buy. If you want a massive, stable deck, highly adjustable suspension, and a machine that dominates steep hills without breaking a sweat, this is a phenomenal high-performance choice.

Who Should Skip It

If you are spending this much money specifically to reach a 65 mph top speed, you should skip it, as it topped out closer to 50 mph in my tests. Furthermore, if you live in a walk-up apartment or need something you can easily lift into a car trunk, this 110 lb heavyweight will be impossible to live with.

How It Stacks Up

When comparing the Hyperion to other high-performance dual-motor scooters I have tested, it stands out for how it maps its power. Other dual-motor scooters typically don't change their actual takeoff torque when you lower the speed modes; they just digitally cap the top speed. The Hyperion actually manages the power delivery per mode, making speed mode one genuinely slow and manageable. But when everything is maxed out, it leaves its competitors in the dust off the starting line.

Final Verdict

At $3,300, the Solar Hyperion is a massive, heavy, and wildly powerful machine. While it didn't quite hit the brand's lofty top speed claims during my runs, achieving 51 mph while standing up is still a massive rush. With the fastest off-the-line acceleration I have ever reviewed, it is an absolute thrill ride for anyone who demands premium performance.