HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec Review - $8.5k

The HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec is a full suspension, pedal assist only, recumbent style electric bike capable of ~28 mph top speeds. Designed to work with up to two battery packs for increased range, great for commuting and touring. Available in two frame sizes (standard or wide track) with adjustable boom and seat, semi-foldable, compatible with a wide range of adaptive accessories for riders with special needs. Premium drivetrain components, integrated rack, fenders and lights, limited availability in the US.
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR.

[@SuchtFaktorHoch10]

absolut outstanding camera work. especially the one handed movements. that's how it's done. interesting, never boring, shows the important things. good microphone quality and very pleasant speaking voice. lovely. everybody can learn from that.

[@ranxxerox6407]

The best video I have ever seen describing a bike. Exactly what I needed Thanks so much

[@russellcoble9480]

Excellent review Court. Your review was one of the reviews I watched several times before breaking down and investing in an e-assist for my HP Velotechnik fs 2

[@chriss.8582]

As someone who lives in Portland and uses a 48V 1000W front hub e-bike I built myself with an old thrift store Trek mountain bike and some e-bike parts and a kit purchased online, I can tell you exactly why in nearly 10 years living and riding here, I have only seen a small handful of recumbent trikes on the roads and bike paths, and that's the nearly 10k price tag for a top of the line trike like this. Even the lower cost trike models with no electric assist run in the 2-5k range. Most people simply can't afford a glorified toy that costs that much and is for all intents and purposes, a bicycle. For that kind of dough you could buy a decent, reliable used car with not too many miles on it, or a really fast used motorcycle if you're just looking to get a toy (I'm fully aware that these have recurring costs, but let's be honest, bikes and trikes don't magically maintain and repair themselves for free while you sleep either). Even people like me that just wanted an e--bike, can't possibly justify spending 2-4k on a ready-made e-bike from the showroom floor. Never mind the fact that those e-bikes are typically under-powered, have short range batteries, overly restrictive speed limiters that cannot be reprogrammed, limited and in some cases no screen data, and no independent throttle controls, just pedal assist. Meanwhile, I built a faster, more powerful, longer range e-bike with lot's of screen data and an easily programmable speed limiter, a pedal assist function and an independent throttle for around $800-900, not including the bike which I've already owned for a couple years, and a few tools which I bought to facilitate the upgrades. If I ever decide to get an electric assist trike, I'm building it myself using a quality second-hand frame as the foundation and going from there, no reason to spend 10k on this overpriced machine.

[@PaulBodyBuilder]

Thank u. I love recumbent bikes. I hope u do more reviews on these. Great channel.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+PaulBodyBuilder Thanks! Definitely planning on reviewing more stuff, I also like recumbents and this one was super cool with the suspension :D

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

Loved the third person view of the other rider. Really shows how the bike looks on the road. Need this in every video. Maybe some B-roll footage also.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Chris Barr Cool! Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the feedback Chris, I'm actually adding more of that type of footage in recent reviews

[@tissuuu9101]

Nice review. I enjoy your page but you were definitely unfamiliar with the enormity of features w/the electric assist using the control unit. Shifting gears is almost unnnecessary once you find the comfortable one. By merely hitting the + / - one can easily accelerate from all stops to a super quick 10/15/20+ mph to keep up w/traffic or bypass all around you. It's extremely fast and sneakily very quiet compared to all other electrics I've seen & heard. The rear hub motor is virtually unheard. All speed options are at your finger tips by the control unit but you must pedal. It is very comfortable once you arrange the seat to the low back or more upright using the three quick adjust levers and boom setting for your legs for the ride you'll be on. This trike is the Cadillac of comfort and possibilities for anyone looking for sheer riding pleasure. I've back/ knee problems that had stopped me from getting out in the city or country air but this is the equalizer +. I own the Scorpion Pus+ 20 S-Pedelec as I found it easier for an old person 65+ to load and unload (41 lbs). Set-up takes about 5-10 minutes to fold/unfold, place the battery, Topeak bag w/paniers and take off! As the brochure from HPVelotechnik states , "It's a packhorse", holding up to 110 lbs of luggage! Another note even if your battery discharges completely this recumbent is easily fully functional as a 27 speed. Just be aware sharp turns must be taken carefully as the trike will turn on it's side! Anyone wishing a cruise control ride will be very happy with this recumbent trike if you have the $10,000 laying around. All price info can be found on their web site and dealers are listed also. Thanks for all of your reviews, your one of the best out there.

[@JamesDobsonVlogs]

GREAT VIDEO~!!! Just got my Recumbent trike yesterday!

[@StellarFella]

This company really reaches out to the customers and is super open to consumer input in order to make all the practical innovations riders want.

[@digitalteachers]

Very well done and great evaluation. Love the suspension low batter storage and the walk mode. I have a very steep footpath to climb on my commute to work (20 km one way) and use a mid-drive which easily takes the low gearing. I was wondering if the walk mode is also for slow hill climbing/assist?

[@UltimatePowa]

This is one of the most detailed reviews I've seen. I have a number of handicaps myself and used to be a longboarder, so something like this seems to be a very good substitute that's not nearly as dangerous.

[@jaxxonleighton4105]

A trick: you can watch movies at flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching all kinds of movies recently.

[@coltonrodrigo3491]

@Jaxxon Leighton Yup, have been using Flixzone for months myself :)

[@rdkuless]

Great job Court. Portland welcomes you back anytime. RecumbentPDX ... What a fun time..!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+Robert Krause Thanks Rob! It was great meeting up with you and visiting the shop. I look forward to the next visit :D

[@rmirabelle]

Excellent review. What a wickedly cool e-machine.

[@tiredofallthis7716]

Hands down the best vid on recumbent bike if you’re new and wanting to learn about them.

[@Schmavie]

Hi, thanks for reviewing the Velotechnic. I much appreciate your reviews. In fact, I purchased my first ElectricTrike Eco Tad SX because of one of your reviews. But I do want to take issue a little bit with one of your comments about electric assist recumbents. You said something like, they are popular among those who have had strokes or have some other physical limitation. Wow! That seemed to diss the rest of us who just like the convenience of recumbent riding and enjoy the added benefit of electric assist. I wanted a recumbent for years, and it took me until my senior years to be able to afford making this change. I saw the electric assist as a way of helping me bike more while loosing weight. And, to take some stress and strain off my knees, back, shoulders, arms and wrists from upright riding. In fact, riding a recumbent seems now to me as the smartest of choices for enjoyable riding. I have no desire to return to stress and strain of two-wheeled upright riding. Apparently, you need more years spent hunched over, with a sore neck, and numb wrists, before your perspective will change ;-) In any case, enjoy whatever kind of riding you do.

[@timothybradek3560]

Thank you, I'm at that age also and appreciate your input. I really like this one, but I say that just about every one that comes out. What's the advantage, or better said, the purpose of any trike's rear wheel.. some larger in the rear... some not. Such as this one here, w/ it's rear wheel quite larger. Why?... Hey, I can google it.... maybe, I'm pretty stupid.

[@abruemmer77]

Sorry, but mentioning the benefits of recumbent riding plus electric assist for people with health issues is not dissing at all.

[@russellcoble5785]

Hey Court, what camera setup did you have for your HP Velotechnik fs26 s-pedelec? Excellent review.

[@breakandrun70]

Very cool looking trike, best video yet on a recumbent trike. Thank you

[@gecko64rak55]

Hi ! Great review but i still have some questions. I wondered if it's possible to change the incline of the seat ? If it's not a problem to have a so long chain in the time ? I already use classic a S-Pedelec but i'm searching more comfort with a bike like this. And beeing a french native speaker, i've not well understood if it's possible to support his head on the seat ? Thank you !

[@WadersInAlaska]

Great review vid! Keep up the great work!

[@nemac23]

The filming is great on these vids. Are you using some kind of stick with a gimbal + gopro?

[@ryamldess]

Where did you get that light up tail whip? Can't find anything like it except wired versions for ATVs. Worth noting for existing Scorpion owners that old Scorpions can easily be retrofitted. I'm having this done currently with a 2006 fs20. We live in hilly San Francisco so it's been neglected for several years; now we will get many more years out of it. It will be great for grocery runs without having to deal with parking.

[@odinsrensen7460]

Very smooth camera work. How did you do that?

[@herranton]

Is it fast because of the electric assist or can you do those speeds without it?

[@rd42]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@babyzorilla]

where were you? Recumbentville?

[@JoeGP]

i never tried one of these but would love to

[@eldiagrama]

Listen this narration is cery entretaining and informative

[@Krypto72]

would it be dumb or redundant, to put a schlumpf drive oh this hp velotechnik scorpion fs26/ i love my trike, i have a trident trike ( titian ) no suspension, no peddle assist or anything. / does anyone have any suggestions on how i can up grade my trike, could i put suspension or some kind of peddle assist on my trike? does anyone have any ideas or suggestions ( with in low cost ) although i have been looking for lower prices on the HP fs26, my shop is selling it for $8,944, but i have seen it for $5,217 but i'm guessing that doesn't come with the battery right ? not sure,

[@siriosstar4789]

EBR is the best review web site for e bikes on the net. I must politely point out something that gives bike riders a bad name, which is , the running of a stop sign near the end of the video.

[@hayden9944]

this is what we should all be getting to work on. I wouldnt feel safe mixing these with cars. Governments of the world, please build specific commuter routs for vehicles like this,

[@habdman]

Everyone drives one! Insane!

[@cheito5876]

where do you buy it? I cant find it?

[@woodfordp]

V helpful review about to buy this model so thank you

[@121dias]

How much it cost you?

[@woodfordp]

Said Algheilani around £5,000

[@mikeq7096]

A nice cruise through LADDS

[@BikeTall]

Can you remove & ride without the battery if you are traveling overseas? Since you can’t bring such large lithium ion batteries on planes.

[@Joe90V]

Do you know how long the plastic tubing around the chain lasts - I'm guessing that the friction from the chain will either burn or fray it?

[@SWH2012]

No, it might look like there is lot of friction, but in truth there is not: this plastic tubing lasts for many, many years. On my trike (an ICE QNT that is 9 years old), there is still the same tubing with no damage. On the parts where the chain enters and comes out get a little dirt with grease over time (I wipe it off ocassionally) and the tubing has some small scratches, but really only very minor! Trike riding is just super cool and relaxing! Try it, you will not regret it.

[@muhammedsajid932]

Where didi the seat bought?

[@paulahavens2764]

great video,but you should call it a trike not a bike.keep videos coming.I love recumbent trikes

[@mohdsabreeyacob348]

Great video and nice review to, I love recumbent trike and velomobile but sadly i can't afford to buy it, even cheapest recumbent, I can't ride normal bicycle because I have back and shoulder pain on motorcycle accident. My bad :(

[@rosskstar]

Keep your eyes out on Craigslist then. Learn all you can at JWorg in the mean time. Cheers

[@batchint]

a certain neighbor of my niece's partner... has one of some kind.. fun fact : going round corners on three wheels when two wheels follow you have to slow..

[@user-zl5uw5rv9r]

Замечательно.Здорово.Молодцы.

[@richardburnett6781]

very nice! :)

[@manosalaobra1127]

wau me encantooo gracias :)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+manos a la obra :) Sure thing! Glad you enjoyed the review. Aprecio tu apoyo!

[@gecko64rak55]

Is there importation Taxes for Europe (Belgium) ?

[@HassanDibani]

It's German made and there are resellers already selling it in Belgium.

[@ewellwellingtonbois3233]

Amazing views I want one

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, these machines are incredible... I'd love to check out one of the more recent versions of this full suspension recumbent! This review is getting pretty old at this point and I'm sure that they've refined the product.

[@madhankumar2418]

Had it for over a year

[@dirkallaert1667]

Where we can buy these bikes in Belgium Europe ???? Please let me know thanks very much.

[@pluisnonplux9728]

It a a German brand, I think it's manufactured near Frankfurt am Main, just Google it... 🚲

[@steamboatmodel]

A good review of the trike, but I noticed that you (and a lot of bike/trike posters) do not STOP for stop signs. Cycles are required to obey the traffic laws are they not.

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

I want it!

[@emiel1976ep]

Helmet on a bike?

[@darrenbrown9096]

Aeorider and quest velomobiles would make nice reviews.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+Darren Brown Got it, thanks Darren! I'll keep an eye out :)

[@caltex1969]

That back has the option for a headrest

[@rawmark]

The comments you made about flipping is exactly why I'm going to go with a Wind Cheetah instead. They are virtually impossible to flip and I can always add a bionx motor after market.

[@SWH2012]

I honestly think with a motor this powerful any trike will flip when you don't watch your speed and weight distribution whilst cornering. I believe the Wind Cheetah will be no exception. Without a motor all well-built tadpole trikes from the best brands in the world (ICE, HP Velotechnik, AZUB and WindCheetah) will NOT flip whilst cornering (except when one drives them foolishly/recklessly), but with a motor it is always a different story. Also, remember that the WindCheetah also has disadvantages: no suspension, for example). Cheers. Oh, by the way, forget Bionx, go with the new German Pendix system: en.pendix.de/#home Not cheap, but really top of the line at the moment in terms of weight, battery power, ease of DIY mounting etc. Check it out!

[@rawmark]

Yes, you are right.

[@timh3605]

It would also help if they followed the rules of the road: not once did they stop at a STOP sign.

[@darrenbrown9096]

nice, what about eletric velomobiles

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+Darren Brown Hi Darren, I've been keeping an eye out for these... Only seen one in real life and it was a prototype so I didn't review it. Will keep an eye out for more in the future. Did you have one in particular that you'd like to see?

[@GaaraVII]

Wish i could buy this kind of bikes in my country, importing is not anyting i am williing do:/

[@NewYorker79924]

Love these things . . just need the cash. Needs a flag.

[@stinkyfinn6977]

Racoon tail on a Ariel 😀

[@JBattler]

In case you hadn't noticed, it is not a 'bike' it is a 'trike'...there is a difference. Thanks

[@annatan3097]

หาซื้อได้ที่ไหนครับ

[@sirkriskringle]

Nice trike :) . SKK.

[@shawnmcmorris720]

Cool

[@simonfredriklund]

is it just me or does the bike sound kinda like an fishingrod

[@outerstellar7186]

Hating on all recumbent bikes, but this one is soo nice, simply thinking recumbent bike without electric power unit is a waste of your legs energy.

[@SWH2012]

Why waste of your legs energy? There are lots of pros and cons of any type of bike. Recumbents are no exception. Recumbent bikes and trikes are super safe, super comfortable and great on flat lands and downhill. There is a small disadvantage when climbing, yes, but have you ever thought about what a normal upright bike (when ridden frequently and for long distances) will do to your tailbone, your groin, your fertility (this is scientifically researched!) and your wrists? Recumbents only really need motors for climbing, but riding a normal bike in the Alps or any other mountain area with steep climbs is no fun either...Cheers.

[@oriaadiga4011]

I got scorpion F2 six20 28 x 20 2019 is broke down on me now I don’t have anymore scorpion I’m AZEB

[@bobcatt2294]

Considering the class level of this trike - why would anyone go with a hub drive versus a mid-drive? Offer the hub option but highlight the crank powered unit. About regenerative breaking and direct drive: there more cons then pros having these, so called features. The reviewer seems unfortunately not to be neutral in his evaluation or possibly is not familiar with recumbent trikes.

[@davidfalgout7304]

your statements are off the mark! Watch the video over several times! He is simply talking about that one bike. It would have served us better had he mentioned the mid-drive. Personally i find the mid drive to be cool. But it is 30% more expensive, more moving parts, and it places extreme accelerated wear on entire drive train. That raises cost to use another 30 ~ 50 %. A good hub drive like Falco has none of these problems. It can be retro fitted to almost any bike and 30% less cost!

[@teknisitua6110]

Need price info

[@wanderingworld2654]

scropion fs starts at ~5000$, add a few thousand depending on your config. not for cheapskates like me lmao

[@MarkMasters83]

$10,000 😱

[@generalimac]

How much?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+Les Jewell It depends on the options, I'd say something like $8 to $10k but you could build one yourself using a BionX kit for under $5k with similar performance and features: electricbikereview.com/category/bionx/

[@generalimac]

BionX, ok i will check them out. As usual your review is right on point. I'm sharing your KZbin page with my students in a class I teach called Social Media. Your an excellent example of what can happen when you take the time to put in work produced as excellent product. Cheers :)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+Les Jewell Hey, thanks Les! I occasionally speak at Colorado State University to Technology Communications students. Where do you teach? Maybe I could swing by sometime and share with students :) also I posted the full review now with pricing details: electricbikereview.com/hp-velotechnik/scorpion-fs-26-s-pedelec/

[@generalimac]

I teach at www.vianney.com/, I have mostly seniors and some juniors. I teach Computer Science, Video Production, Computer Applications and Social Media. It would be awesome if you were able to get to St. Louis some time this school year. My work email is [e-mail], talk soon.

[@terranowe]

dont be a tightwad or lazy.. buy some scales. I want to know the weight of every bike you test. No excuses. It's not like they are expensive. Its a crucial metric in my purchasing decision Other than that. thanks. Not bad reviews.

[@MoTown44240]

Lovely trike. You say "ride safe" at the end of the video yet you never stopped, not even once, at any posted Stop Sign. In Ohio, vehicle drivers whether it be motor vehicle, animal drawn, or human powered are required to STOP at posted Stop Signs. I am sure the traffic laws in all 50 United States require the same adherence for human power vehicles to stop at posted Stop Signs.

[@iCanSeeWhatMostCant]

did you say $10k?

[@iCanSeeWhatMostCant]

+facevalue nevermind i found it 3:03

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+facevalue Yeah, it depends on the configuration but this brand in particular is very expensive (due to the full suspension, powerful motor, nicer computer and dual battery option). You could build a recumbent ebike for less than $5k using the BionX system: electricbikereview.com/category/bionx/

[@ElectricBikeReview]

+facevalue I finished the full review with more pricing details: electricbikereview.com/hp-velotechnik/scorpion-fs-26-s-pedelec/ hope this helps, it's a bit less expensive with just one battery (and still offers great range) but yeah, we're talking $8.5k+

[@gecko64rak55]

omg, ok without me...

[@schregen]

They make a few thousands of this model per year. The small numbers make the production really expensive. 🍄

[@josepha.chavez8060]

#toysforrichpeople

[@richardmulligan7536]

Holy smoke!! that's a ridiculous amount! you go almost as fast on a proper velo mobile and not that cost. A motorbike is even much cheaper!

[@ridemgis]

Schvalba

[@jonlowing7907]

Trike.

[@mcschneiveoutdoors3681]

You need to seriously take "dial it in" out of your vocabulary. Way..WAY over used.

[@adibazi]

Unfortunately I'm a hetero sexual man, so I can't drive such a bike.

[@davidfalgout7304]

Whats being hetro have to do with anything. Are you saying only queer's/ gay/misogamist/ types ride electric assist? Please explain your statement. What kind of bike do you "drive".

[@davidfalgout7304]

@@roijoi6963 Say what? You sir are deluded!

[@roijoi6963]

Igor kotzlowski, ...or maybe you're just an ass. Please keep your homophobia to yourself, and don't let on you're a hetro. I am too and don't want you giving us a bad name, and probably all of Poland as well.

[@roijoi6963]

@@davidfalgout7304 I think this forum software sucks, and we're actually on the same side of the issue.