It gets up everywhere - SoFlow SO4 Pro Max e-scooter tested
Happy to climb.
With the SO4 Pro Max, SoFLow offers a very powerful e-scooter with full suspension that can climb any mountain thanks to its planetary gearbox. a payload of 150 kg and app connectivity complete the equipment list. We tested the Swiss scooter in everyday use.Benedikt Winkel (translated by Benedikt Winkel) Published 🇩🇪
Test conclusion - SO4 Pro Max with a focus on power
With the SO4 Pro Max, SoFlow delivers an extremely powerful e-scooter with road approval. The focus of the scooter is clearly on acceleration and climbing ability. The scooter also impresses with its stable handling.
In terms of braking performance and digital functions, the SO4 Pro Max is not at the top of the league. For that, it has to be the top model SO4 Pro GT.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
SoFlow offers several e-scooters. The SO4 Pro Max and SO4 Pro GT are the manufacturer's top models. The main differences lie in the adjustable suspension system at the rear, the performance spectrum of the smart display and the maximum power. Our test model is the SO4 Pro Max, the RRP is 799 euros. The e-scooter is sold directly by the manufacturer at https://www.soflow.com/de/produkt/so4-pro-max/ as well as via retailers such as Amazon.
Table of Contents
- Test conclusion - SO4 Pro Max with a focus on power
- Unboxing and assembly - the SO4 Pro Max needs to be screwed on
- Equipment and operation - suspension rear on the SO4 Pro Max
- Lighting equipment - SoFlow with front and rear indicators
- App and smart functions - smartphone as the key
- Riding impression and comfort - SO4 Pro Max with sporty setup
- Acceleration and braking - Enormous power in the SO4 Pro Max
- battery and charging - SoFlow does not install a large battery
- Conclusio
SoFlow advertises the SO4 Pro Max with many features and a powerful drive. The motor delivers a maximum torque of 50 Nm and is said to offer enormous climbing ability thanks to a planetary gearbox. Compared to the SO4 Pro Gen 2 the manufacturer has significantly increased the power, and the latest model also has suspension at the rear.
| Technical data | SoFlow SO4 Pro Max |
|---|---|
| battery | 576 Wh |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive, brushless motor with planetary gearbox |
| Nominal motor power | 500 W |
| Maximum motor power | 1300 W |
| Maximum speed | 22 km/h (ABE) |
| Range according to manufacturer | 75 km |
| Charger | 170 W |
| Load capacity | 150 kg |
| Tires | 10 inch, pneumatic tires, tubeless |
| Brake system | f. drum brake; h. disc brake, mechanical; electric motor brake |
| Weight | 24 kg |
| Lighting | complete LED, 60 lux, indicators front and rear |
| Other features | IP65, battery removable, Apple Find My |
Unboxing and assembly - the SO4 Pro Max needs to be screwed on
The SO4 Pro Max is delivered in a large cardboard box. The SoFlow scooter is not ready to ride ex works. The handlebars and display unit must be mounted on the handlebars. The appropriate screws are provided with threadlocker and a suitable, remarkably high-quality tool is included.
SoFlow also supplies replacement screws, illustrated instructions in various languages and a charger. A sticker on the display encourages users to download the appropriate app. When you start it for the first time, there is a tutorial on the core functions of the scooter and safety instructions. For example, instructions on the correct air pressure and adjusting the brakes.
The instructions also refer to the correct air pressure. Unfortunately, the display in the app is somewhat outdated and the air pressure values differ. It makes sense to adjust the brakes ex works, as the brake lever can be pulled all the way to the handle.
Equipment and operation - suspension rear on the SO4 Pro Max
The SO4 Pro Max from SoFlow comes with an adjustable suspension fork at the front and two shocks at the rear. However, the suspension is not adjustable, this is only possible on the SO4 Pro GT. The SO4 Pro Max offers a wide, non-slip footboard and pleasantly thick grips, but without ergonomic fins.
Acceleration is controlled via a twist grip, which is comfortable to hold even on long rides. The brake levers are not adjustable in width. The manufacturer has fitted a drum brake at the front and a mechanical disc brake at the rear.
The 2.8-inch color display provides information on the current speed, the battery status with the help of bars, kilometers covered, the riding mode, the lighting and the level of actuation of the throttle and brake lever.
Lighting equipment - SoFlow with front and rear indicators
SoFlow offers a comprehensive lighting package and relies entirely on LED technology. The headlight on the handlebar is mounted high and ensures a homogeneous light pattern, the manufacturer specifies 60 lux. The SO4 Pro Max offers four indicators. One pair is located on the handlebar ends, another on the side next to the rear light with brake light function. The SO4 Pro Max only lacks a high beam function.
App and smart functions - smartphone as the key
The app functions are clearly laid out. The driving modes can be changed via smartphone. The battery status can also be queried, although the app only displays a bar and no percentage information. The software is also stingy with information on charging cycles or battery health.
Navigation is integrated into the app. However, the routes and information cannot be mirrored on the display of the scooter - this is reserved for the SO4 Pro GT. However, the app displays a suggested route including time, distance and battery charge at the destination. Localization via Apple Find my is possible, but only the GT is capable of the Samsung Smart Things counterpart. The scooter can be unlocked via NFC, but it does not offer a proper immobilizer.
The app is connected to the scooter via Bluetooth. However, the SO4 Pro Max must be switched on for a connection.
Riding impression and comfort - SO4 Pro Max with sporty setup
The SO4 Pro Max climbs every steep hill in the test. This is impressive and the best result in our tests to date. The scooter climbs gentle inclines at full speed, slows down on steeper gradients but never stops.
The scooter always remains stable even at high speeds downhill and conveys a great deal of safety. The planetary gearbox, which is responsible for the good climbing characteristics, provides a constant background noise while riding; other scooters are quieter.
The suspension is well tuned for the rider weight of 83 kilograms. The SO4 Pro Max filters out rough impacts, but does not become a sedan chair. The rather firm setup suits the sporty orientation of the scooter.
Acceleration and braking - Enormous power in the SO4 Pro Max
The acceleration of the SO4 Pro Max is a blast. The power of the scooter is noticeable, especially when changing loads and in Sport mode. There is a wide range of modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort and Sport. In Eco, the maximum speed is limited to 15 km/h. In Comfort and Sport, the SO4 Pro Max makes full use of the maximum speed of 22 km/h valid in Germany, including measurement tolerance.
The comparison of our measurements shows that the SO4 Pro Max leads the field in terms of acceleration. In sport mode, the scooter accelerates aggressively, which is not for beginners. SoFlow doesn't fail when it comes to the brakes, but the braking performance is not on a par with the acceleration. In addition, the engine brake is sometimes harsh.
battery and charging - SoFlow does not install a large battery
The battery is located in the footboard and can be removed. However, charging is also possible when installed via a charging flap. With a battery capacity of 576 Wh, the SO4 Pro Max is in the middle of the field, with the GT model also delivering significantly more at 864 Wh.
We consumed 18.15 Wh per kilometer on a demanding test lap. However, the SO4 Pro Max manages an average speed of 21 km/h despite the steep inclines. At full load, the SO4 Pro Max achieves a range of 31.7 km. The SoFlow scooter is protected against water and dust to IP65.
Conclusio
If you are looking for the most powerful scooter possible with road approval, you should consider the SoFlow SO4 Pro Max. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of app functions.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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