Joyor Y8-S electric scooter – long range, smooth ride and comfort in every mile
Comfort over thrills.
The Joyor Y8-S electric scooter is a sturdy all-rounder designed to offer boundless freedom on every ride. With its substantial 26 Ah battery, riders can enjoy up to 100 km on a single charge, making it the perfect choice for those seeking long-distance travel without hesitation. But the Y8-S isn’t just about endurance. Its 500W motor ensures a zippy, responsive ride, while the ABE certification guarantees legal operation and proper equipment. Priced around €700 (~$759), it’s not the cheapest on the market, but for endurance unleashed and dependable performance, it offers solid value.Andrea Grüblinger, 👁 Andrea Grüblinger, ✓ Louise Burke (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...
Verdict: A long-range electric scooter that favours comfort over thrills
The standout feature of the Joyor Y8-S is undoubtedly its massive battery. While the manufacturer claims a maximum range of 100 km, we find that around 80 km is a realistic figure, assuming a sensible riding style and favourable conditions.
However, there's a trade-off: with a weight of around 24 kg, this scooter is not built for frequent lifting or carrying. Even navigating curbs can feel like a challenge.
On the positive side, the weight pays off in terms of ride comfort. The front and rear suspension systems absorb bumps well, and the large air-filled tyres enhance the smoothness. The “soft” ride, however, may not suit those looking for a sporty experience, although the braking system is robust and should be used with care for smooth stops.
Overall, the Y8-S leaves a positive impression, especially for riders seeking a reliable scooter for longer distances.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Joyor Y8-S is available from various retailers, with a list price of around €900 (~$987). However, you can currently find it at a discounted price of 689 euros (~$758) from Geekbuying's online store. Shipping within Europe is included, with no additional customs or import fees.
Joyor offers several scooter models, ranging from simpler versions like the S5, which we've already tested, to the high-performance E8-S, which features dual motors and 3,200 watts of power.
Some models come with ABE certification, required in countries like Germany for legal operation. This certification limits the scooter’s top speed to 20 km/h and ensures that it meets the necessary requirements. Our test model also includes a mount for a registration plate.
Before purchasing, make sure to check local regulations regarding e-scooters in your country.
| Technical specifications | Joyor Y8-S |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1248 wh |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive with 500w brushless motor |
| Top speed | 20 km/h (Germany) |
| Manufacturer-stated range | 100 km |
| Charger | 130 watts |
| Max load capacity | 120 kg |
| Tyres | 10-inch, air-filled |
| Braking system | mechanical disc brakes; electric motor brake |
| Weight | 24.4 kg |
| Lighting | front and rear led/halogen lights |
| Other features | front and rear suspension |
Unboxing and assembly: The Y8-S needs a little love
Arriving compactly folded and almost fully assembled, the Y8-S is quickly roadworthy. Tools are nearly unnecessary, and even the handlebar grips, which are folded down, are easily positioned and secured. The handlebars themselves simply need to be unfolded and locked into place, although we did need to realign the rubber stopper on our test model. With a bit of DIY skill, this shouldn’t be a problem.
The handlebar height is adjustable via a quick-release lever. The included user manual, fully illustrated and written in German, proves invaluable during assembly, operation, and troubleshooting.
It’s important to consider the positioning of the control unit, including the accelerator. If it's positioned too flat, it can obstruct the right brake lever. If it is positioned too steep, it can lead to an awkward hand position and make the display harder to read.
When folded, the scooter is compact enough to be transported in a car, although it takes up quite a bit of space. The 24 kg weight (thanks to the large battery) makes lifting the scooter a struggle. Carrying it up stairs would likely be a dealbreaker for most users.
Technical specifications comparison
| Joyor Y8-S | Joyor S5 | SoFlow So4 Pro Gen 2 | Niu KQi3 Max | Xiaomi 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 1248 Wh | 624 Wh | 504 Wh | 608 Wh |
| Top speed | 20 km/h (ABE) | 20 km/h | 25 km/h | 20 km/h |
| Rated power / Peak power | 500 / 810 W | 500 / 500 W | 500 / 1000 W | 450 / 900 W |
| Max. hill-climbing ability | 15% | 15% | 27-33% | 25% |
| Weight | 24.4 kg | 21.55 kg | 18.73 kg | 21.1 kg |
| Tyres | 10" | 10" | 10" | 9.5" |
| Max. load capacity | 120 kg | 120 kg | 150 kg | 120 kg |
Features and operation: ABE certification limits comfort functions
The suspension on both the front and rear tyres is visually striking and crucial for ride comfort. Designed to handle uneven terrain, the 10-inch air-filled tyres also contribute to the smooth ride. The Y8-S comes with disc brakes at both the front and rear, ensuring rapid stops after the 500W motor has powered the scooter forward.
The Joyor Y8-S’s highlight is its 48V, 26 Ah battery, which offers a hefty 1,248 Wh capacity. The manufacturer claims a range of up to 100 km on a full charge, with our test model arriving at nearly 100% battery. Charging is done via the included adapter, with the port located on the left side of the footboard.
The multifunctional display must be mounted on the right side of the handlebars. Acceleration is controlled using the right index finger on a small lever, though the hand position is less than ideal, particularly on uneven surfaces. A thumb throttle would be preferable in this case.
The display shows the selected riding mode (with speeds of 9 km/h, 15 km/h, and 20 km/h available on the ABE version) as well as current speed and distance travelled (both daily and total). A nice touch: the control unit includes a USB Type-A port for charging additional devices, such as a smartphone.
One feature we really missed was an autopilot mode, which would maintain the current speed – especially helpful considering the finger throttle. This feature is only available in the non-ABE version. Adding it to the ABE version would require swapping out the entire control unit, which can be found online. However, doing so would also remove the speed limit and invalidate the ABE certification.
Lighting: Good lighting, no indicators
A working lighting system is a requirement for road approval. The Y8-S includes an LED rear light and a halogen front headlamp. However, there are no brake lights or turn signals, which are notable omissions.
First driving impression: Comfort over thrills
First impressions reveal the Joyor Y8-S as a comfort-focused ride rather than a sporty one. The suspension, paired with the large tyres, delivers a smooth journey, though cornering lacks the dynamism you might expect. A slight delay in throttle response reinforces the relaxed ride, but the motor’s power still offers a satisfying experience.
The brakes are responsive, but the front brake requires a delicate touch to prevent any sudden jolts or the risk of toppling forward.
Unfortunately, due to the scooter being stolen before we could finish testing, we’re unable to provide precise data on acceleration, braking distances, range, or charging times. Effective theft protection remains a significant concern for most modern e-scooters.
