SoFlow So4 Pro Gen 2 e-scooter in review - Swiss Sport Scooter

The So4 Pro Gen 2 is the current top model from SoFlow. The Swiss-based manufacturer produces e-scooters, e-bikes and e-boards. The So4 Pro Gen 2 complies with the German Road Traffic Act (StVO) and may therefore be driven on public roads in Germany - as long as the rider is at least 14 years old and the scooter has an insurance license plate.

Compared to its predecessor, SoFlow claims to have further improved acceleration, but peak power is identical at 500 watts, as are range and climbing ability. Another innovation is the turn signals at the ends of the handlebars. The scooter is available exclusively in one color variant: black / mint green. The RRP is 899 Euros (~$989).

The So4 Pro Gen 2 comes in a large brown outer box that protects the actual packaging of the scooter. The scooter itself is held in place with pieces of styrofoam. Assembly is simple as can be, as the scooter is completely assembled except for the handlebars. All that needs to be done is to connect two cable ends that connect the display and switch unit to the rest of the So4 Pro's electrical system. The handlebar is then inserted into the steering tube and connected with four screws.

On the scooter's box is a QR code for installing the SoFlow app. However, the software can also be downloaded from the Google Playstore or the Apple app store. The So4 Pro is recognized quickly, and a verification code must be entered for unique assignment, which can be found on the scooter itself.

Before the first ride, the software informs the user how to adjust the brake and that the air pressure should be checked. The necessary tools are included with the scooter, as is a valve extension for more convenient tire inflation.

In addition to LED lights at the front and rear, the second generation of the SoFlow scooter also offers turn signals in the handlebar ends. These are operated via a controller on the left handle. This controller also has a button that switches the scooter on and off. A long press activates the lights.

When activating a turn signal, the scooter emits a one-time beep. Apart from that, there is no feedback as to whether a turn signal is active, for example in the display. There is also no automatic reset. To deactivate the turn signal, the corresponding button has to be pressed again.

The turn signal's visibility is good in the dark, but very limited during the day. Especially from behind, visibility is clearly limited by the rider's arms. The light output of the So4 Pro Gen 2, on the other hand, is good. The headlight also reliably illuminates dark bike paths. Unfortunately, the taillight does not have a brake light function.

The So4 Pro Gen 2 can be paired with the SoFlow app. However, the software's functions are very limited. The biggest added value is that the scooter's performance characteristics can be adjusted in three stages. This is because this change is not possible on the scooter itself. However, the performance modes cannot be customized further.

In addition, the smartphone with the app can be used as a key. The app can be used to lock or unlock the So4 Pro Gen 2. This works either via a virtual slider with an active Bluetooth connection or by simply placing the smartphone on the display via NFC.

If the scooter is locked via the app, a corresponding message appears on the display and the scooter can no longer be switched on. However, there is no blocking of the drive, so the scooter can simply be pushed away. If the So4 Pro Gen 2 is moved despite being locked, there is no warning in the app and no noise or similar on the scooter itself.

In addition, the smartphone app can be used to track rides. However, the display of the current speed is only useful in conjunction with a handlebar mount. The app also displays the distance traveled in kilometers and the elapsed time. In addition, the current position of the scooter is displayed on a map when a connection is active.

The app also displays a history of all recorded rides via the stored account. Listed by days, the software shows the trip traveled on a map, lists travel time, kilometers and average speed. Although the So 4 Pro Gen 2 was connected to a smartphone throughout, the total kilometers in the app differ significantly from the total kilometers indicated on the scooter.

The manufacturer does not plan any OTA updates for the scooter.

The SoFlow So4 Pro Gen 2 conveys a lot of safety when riding. Even at higher speeds - for example downhill - it rides stably. The scooter's footboard is long enough, but could be a bit wider. Placing the feet parallel on the board is only possible with difficulty.

It is annoying that the drive takes time to deliver power. If you take your foot off the throttle before the turn and then want to accelerate out of the turn, it takes a second for the command from the thumb lever to be implemented in the motor. This delay is made worse by the contrast of the powerful drive when it starts its work.

It is also annoying that the speed indicator stops working when the thumb lever is not used - for example, on longer downhills. If the rider takes off the throttle, the current speed display goes out and gives way to the total mileage display - which is irrelevant on downhills.

The So4 Pro Gen 2 is also not one of the quietest e-scooters on the market. The motor always works quite audibly. We would also wish for cruise control for longer trips. On the other hand, the tires' rolling comfort is positive. Although the So4 Pro Gen 2 has no suspension, the ride comfort is right thanks to the tires' good self-damping, which is not at the expense of cornering stability. The So4 Pro Gen 2 rolls much more comfortably than, for example, the Niu KQi3 Max.

The So4 Pro Gen 2 is stopped by means of two disc brakes, controlled with cable pulls. The So4 Pro Gen 2 does not offer an electric brake and thus a possibility for energy recovery during braking (recuperation). The width of the long brake handles cannot be adjusted.

In practice, the system convinces with good deceleration values. Even in wet conditions, the brakes always bring the scooter to a safe stop, and they do so without squeaking or other disturbing noises. For good braking values, the system must first be broken in. After just under 40 kilometers (~25 mi), the front brake also needed to be readjusted, which can be done without any problems. There are good instructions with a video in the app.

The maximum speed of the So4 Pro Gen 2 is 20 km/h (~12 mph), which is the legal limit in Germany. In other countries, the scooter is allowed to travel at 25 km/h (~16 mph). The speedometer of the scooter shows 22 km/h (~14 mph) on a straight road. The character of the drive can be set in three stages: eco, standard and sport. The difference between eco and sport is significantly greater than between standard and sport. The different levels do not affect the top speed.

The difference is noticeable in the intensity of acceleration. While the So4 Pro Gen 2 accelerates very smoothly in Eco, the power is applied selectively, especially in Sport. This makes small power wheelies possible. In tight corners, the characteristics of the Sport mode are almost too sharp. In everyday use, the Standard mode is convincing because it offers a balanced mixture of strong acceleration and control.

In a comparison of acceleration values with other scooters, the So4 Pro Gen 2 is convincing and places itself at the top of the models we have tested so far. It accelerates faster than the Niu KQi3 Max or the Xiaomi Scooter 4 Pro. The scooter's climbing ability is impressive, mastering even very steep paths and driveways. At low gradients, not even the maximum speed suffers.

A special feature of the SoFlow Scooter is that the energy storage unit can be removed. A large part of the running board folds up for this purpose. The flap is unlocked by pressing the right turn signal for a long time.

On the one hand, the removal is supposed to facilitate charging, and on the other hand, the manufacturer advertises that the battery can be used as a large power bank. However, this did not work out in the test. We tried different cables and different end devices, but got error messages in each case. The battery can also be charged in an installed state via an external charging socket.

The included power supply charges the battery in the range between 100 and 120 watts. This charges the battery from 0 to 100 percent in about five hours. SoFlow advertises a range of 40 kilometers (~25 mi). On a 20 kilometer (~12 mi) test lap with some inclines and continuous full throttle, the So4 Pro Gen 2 needs 18.8 Wh per kilometer. This results in a minimum range of about 27 kilometers (~17 mi). The consumption will be lower on flat terrain and in urban environments.

The So4 Pro Gen 2 does a lot right. The scooter has a high-quality build and is easy to use. Especially the simple unlocking via NFC is quick and facilitates everyday use. However, we had hoped for more from the lock function, because the scooter can still be easily pushed away - there is no way around a lock, even for short stops.

The different driving modes are sensibly tuned, and every driver will find something to his taste here. However, we would like to have an adjustment on the scooter without a detour via the app. In addition, the delay when implementing driving commands is annoying. However, you get used to this latency with increasing use.

In return, the So4 Pro Gen 2 convinces with safe handling and good ride comfort at all times. Even higher speeds do not upset the scooter and the braking system is prepared for all situations. At this point, we would only wish for the possibility of recuperation.

The So4 Pro Gen 2 is a powerful, safe scooter with good handling characteristics. However, it is not without its faults.

The app's range of functions is manageable, and the added value is low. The discrepancy between the total mileage in the app and on the scooter's display is surprising. On the display, the disappearing display of the speed when rolling - for example downhill - is irritating. The readability of the panel, on the other hand, is good. The lighting system is also convincing, but the turn signals are easily overlooked in daylight.

Caution: The regulations regarding the operation of an e-scooter depend on the respective country and can vary greatly in some cases. In any case, you should inform yourself in advance. You can find everything you need to know here: AT, DE, CH