Today, we’re going to look at the Hover-1 Alpha electric scooter offered by Hover-1. It’s a budget option, though the top of the line when it comes to power and speed. Beyond the ride performance, some of the other features that won our hearts include a Bluetooth speaker and a pretty look of undercarriage light and LED light on the deck.
However, within its class, the e-scooter is priced a bit higher and has an overall heavier ride.
But is the Alpha, alongside its features, the right option for you? We shall see that shortly in our Hover-1 Alpha review. But first, let’s dig a bit about the Hover-1 brand.
Is Hover 1 a Good Brand?
Yes, Hover 1 is an established brand with growing popularity globally.
They have been in the e-scooter production for more than two decades, meaning they’ve all the experience for molding quality PEV.
The brand is particularly famed for manufacturing several scooters falling in an economical range of prices, and the Alpha is one such unit.
They also have a catalog of premium e-scooters in their stock, including the popular Hover-1 Journey, Dart Electric Scooter, and Rider Electric Scooter.
Like any other premium brand, Hover 1 excels in producing high-quality products, meeting strict quality guidelines.
They also provide warranty for all their scooters, which underlines their supremacy and confidence in all their offerings.
Journey vs. Alpha
The Hover 1 Journey is yet another reasonably priced electric scooter.
In the e-scooter domain, the Journey is considered a clone to the more expensive Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter due to the uncanny resemblance.
However, it’s a pretty fast e-scooter, and more like the Alpha, it comes loaded with plenty of performance-enhancing features.
But how do the two models, Alpha and Journey, compare?
Power
Alpha takes the crown here because it packs a punch more than the Journey.
Alpha, with a 450W capacity, delivers more power than 300W on the Journey.
That said, it’s not much of a difference since both models are still considered beginner-friendly options.
Testing Evaluation
Tested against similar models within the same category
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 264 lbs
- Motor | 450 watt
- Range | 12 miles
- Battery | 36V Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 18 mph
Weight Capacity
Regarding the weight capacity, both models tie at 264 pounds.
It’s a decent weight limit, perfectly suitable for the average adults, though it might not be sufficient to accommodate the plus-sized users.
While still on the weight, the Alpha tilts the weighing scale a bit more, and it’s not surprising considering it comes loaded with plenty of features compared to the Journey.
The Alpha weighs 36 pounds, 9 pounds more than the Journey. The good news is both weights aren’t too hefty and easily manageable.
Speed
The Alpha has a maximum speed limit of 18 mph, while the Journey can only achieve 14 mph.
Both the two e-scooters are still on the lower side and might not inspire the speed freaks or seasoned riders.
However, for beginners or kids, the speed might be ideal.
Range
Surprisingly, the Hover Journey has a higher range, capable of achieving a max of 16 miles, four miles higher than Alpha’s.
However, the range on both e-scooters is a bit short, and might only suffice for the short commutes.
Wheel Size
Wheel size is critical for off-road capabilities; the Alpha seems to excel in this department with 10-inch wheels instead of the 8.5-inch wheels on the Journey.
The large wheels, accompanied by the powerful motor, allow the Alpha users to tackle the rugged conditions with greater ease effectively. It also allows the Alpha to tackle the curbs with ease.
Here’s a tabular breakdown of the differences between the two models;
Alpha vs. Journey Comparison
Alpha
| 
Journey
| |
|---|---|---|
|
Range |
12 miles |
16 miles |
|
Speed |
18 mph |
14 mph |
|
Motor |
450 W |
300 W |
|
Charge Time |
4-6.5 hrs |
4-6.5 hrs |
|
Wheel Size |
10.0 Inch |
8.5 inch |
|
Weight |
36 pounds |
27 pounds |
Who is the Alpha Best For?
Hover- 1 Alpha is the perfect choice for beginner riders and kids.
It’s moderately powerful, the perfect option for those who are simply starting.
The speed is also a bit on the lower side, which is also a great feature for the beginners as they’ve not yet mastered control and balancing.
The Alpha can also be an inspiring option for those who need a casual e-scooter for the short commutes within their locality.
Who is the Alpha Not For?
The Alpha e-scooter is not an option for the seasoned riders, especially for the speed junkies.
It might even not be an option for the intermediate rider because the speed is on the lower side of the scale.
For riders who need an e-scooter for the long commutes, the Alpha might also disappoint them because of the short-range.
Finally, though the weight capacity is above average, it might limit the plus riders.
Hover 1 Alpha Features
- Sturdy Build: The folks at Hover-1 built a strong and reliable e-scooter designed to accommodate all entry-level and intermediate riders.
It’s also a sturdy option that can effectively take on the rugged terrain without compromising its structural integrity. - Powerful: It’s not the most powerful option, but for the beginner e-scooters, few can match the 450w offered by the Alpha.
- Bluetooth Speaker: A major highlight for the Hover-1 Alpha is the built-in Bluetooth speaker, allowing riders to stream their favorite tunes as they cruise around. It’s not a novel feature in scooters, but it’s something worth mentioning for an entry-level and, more importantly, a budget option.
- Cool: Aesthetics don’t play a part in the buying decision, but with this option, you might get tempted to buy because of the looks. Hover 1 is a pretty looking scooter, with the LED lights on the deck helping to accentuate the beauty.
- Foldable: To ease the overall portability, Alpha is foldable, easily compacting to a convenient and nifty product.
Pros
- Sturdy design
- Stylish
- Great motor power
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Limited range
Final Thoughts
The Alpha is a great beginner-friendly e-scooter coming with a host of desirable features.
It’s not the ultimate solution for the long-range commute, but all the specifications on this model are geared to beginners and intermediate riders.
It’s also a budget-friendly option, considering all the features and overall performance, and it’s worth every penny.
Testing Evaluation
Tested against similar models within the same category
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 264 lbs
- Motor | 450 watt
- Range | 12 miles
- Battery | 36V Lithium-ion Battery
- Speed | 18 mph
