The Hilo ONE is a 'forward facing' e-scooter packed full of technology that Hilo say combines 'next-generation safety features with user-friendly tech' which they believe add up to 'the world’s most intelligent e-scooter.'
So how is the Hilo ONE 'intelligent'
The most apparently novel thing about the Hilo at first glance is not anything digital or even electrical - it's that it offers a face-forward riding position. This is achieved by having two platforms either side of the scooter's main, rather curvaceous-looking, body. And although ebiketips haven't actually seen a Hilo ONE as yet, it seems highly likely it will be bulkier than your average e-scooter as in addition to that bulky looky body there are larger than usual 12.5 inch wheels.
So with a face forward ride position and those big diameter wheels the Hilo ONE is already off to a good start; but what about the intelligent claims? These are thanks to several digital tech elements which scan the scooter's surroundings for potential dangers, such as pedestrians and vehicles, with sensory warnings applied accordingly. In other words, it's a vibrating, flashing, audible e-scooter.
Other practical sounding features include a full fold and a frame-integrated battery with a 25-mile range, twin 350W electric motors and 'powerful, electronic, maintenance-free braking'. The stated top speed is 25mph.
The fold looks particularly novel, as mucky wheels are largely enclosed within the body of the e-scooter, and the resulting package allows the Hilo One to be carried or wheeled using the telescopic handle.
Continuing with the safety theme, there is the Hilo ‘HaloAI system' that casts a full perimeter pool of light, communicating to other road users if they become dangerously close. The all round lighting also includes a turn indicator system.
The company also says, slightly opaquely, 'Hilo One is only activated once helmet detection has been registered'. There is even apparently planned to be an in-car dock to provide 'in-car charging from car boots'.
Whilst many of the so-called warning features sound pretty novel, if not necessarily world firsts, there is already a folding and face-forward riding e-scooter out there on the market in the form of the Pure Advance Flex.
Who are Hilo?
Hilo EV was founded by Leamington-based Robin Harris and James Browne in 2019, since when they have attracted significant business interest from the micromobility business sector.
Already the recipients of business grants, Hilo recently pitched to potential investors at Amsterdam's Micromobility Europe 2023 conference. Another impressive financial coup is that Dr Andy Palmer, the former chief executive of Aston Martin, has invested significant funds into the business.
Palmers's investment also led to the involvement of Dirk Schaefer, SME engagement lead at the University of Warwick Science Park, in a bid to attract further funding.
"We thought Hilo was a highly innovative concept which rightly promotes safety, and felt they had great potential," said Schaefer. "Many start-ups such as Hilo have fantastic ideas but don't know the best ways to secure the funding they need – innovation is expensive after all. Our knowledge of available grants and how to impress investors really helped Hilo in its early stages."
When will the Hilo ONE be available and what will it cost?
Hilo state on their website, 'We are thrilled to announce that 500 delivery positions for the Hilo One Founders Edition are now open. By securing an early position, riders will be one of the first to own this limited edition in a custom colourway.'
Reservation slots cost £20 at the time of writing and whilst the website itself seems rather coy about the final RRP, other media reports indicate prices starting from £1,750. The website also states 'shipping in 2024'.
