Name: HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec Review
Item: HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec
Author: Court Rye

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HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec Review

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs 26 S Pedelec Recumbent Electric Bike Review

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Recumbent Pedelec

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Gearless Motor With Regeneration

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Removable Battery 36 Volt

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Recumbent Seat

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Chain Tensioner System Sliding Boom

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Front Dual Suspension

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Front View Headlight Chain Guard

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Rear Led Light Rack And Fender

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Rockshox Rear Suspension

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Shimano Deore Xt Derailleur

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs Side View Rear Rack

Hp Velotechnik Scorpion Fs S Pedelec Comfort And Ability Accessories

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

Make:

HP Velotechnok

Model:

Scorpion FS

Price:

$8,495 USD ($9,540 with Second Battery)

Body Position:

Recumbent

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting, Touring

Electric Bike Class:

Speed Pedelec (Class 3)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive, 10 Year Frame

Availability:

United States, Europe

Model Year:

20142015

Total Weight:

68 lbs (30.84 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)

Motor Weight:

7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminium 7005T6 Heat Treated

Standard 32" Track, Wide 36" Track

Geometry Measurements:

Wheel Base: 128 cm, track Width: 78 cm, Width: 83 cm, Length: 187 to 231 cm, Unfolded Dimensions: 93 x 74 x 54 cm, Folded Dimensions: 123 x 83 x 62 cm, Recommended Rider Height: min. ca. 1,62 m max. ca. 2,00 m X-Seam min. 0,895 m * X-Seam max. 1,22 m,

Frame Types:

Trike, Folding

Frame Colors:

Gray with Blue Accents, White with Blue Accents, Custom Color

Frame Fork Details:

Independent Suspension

Frame Rear Details:

RockShox Monarch RL Air Suspension with Adjustable Stiffness, Hydraulic Rebound Damping, Blockable Compression Stage

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses

Gearing Details:

27 Speed 3x9 Shimano Deore XT, 30-42-52 / 11–34

Shifter Details:

Shimano, Bar End

Cranks:

Truvative, BSA 68 mm Bottom Bracket

Pedals:

Aluminum Alloy Platform with Rubber Tread, Pedal Axle Height: 40 to 45 cm

Headset:

A-Head

Handlebar:

Ergo Bars, Two Heights Available, Sealed Cartridge Bearings and Self-Lubricating Rod End Bearings

Brake Details:

Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc, 160 mm Front Rotors, 180 mm Rear Rotor, Tektro Auriga Levers with Motor Inhibotors

Saddle:

Anatomically Shaped BodyLink, Adjustable for Angle (32–41°) and Back Length, Optional ErgoMesh Seat (Features a Zipper Pocket and Optional XL Size), Seat Height: 29 cm BodyLink, 32 cm ErgoMesh, 40 cm ErgoMesh-HS

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Energizer Plus, 20" x 1.75" (ISO 406) Front, 26" x 1.75 " (ISO 559) Rear / 20 in (50.8 cm ), 26 in (66.04 cm )

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

Reflective Sidewall Stripes, Max Tire Width 2"

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Integrated LED Lights Toplite Rear and Lumotec Front, Rear Carry Rack with 14 mm Tubing (25 kg Max Load), Plastic Chainring Guard, Plastic Chain Tubing, Full Length Front and Rear Fenders with Mudflaps (50 mm Coverage for Larger Tires), Optional Streamer Front Cover with Adjustable Angle and Height and Quick Release (Keeps Feet and Legs Dry), Comfort and Ability Accessories for Special and Adaptive Needs: (Stand Up Aid, Hand Rest, Pedal with Heel Strap, Ergonomic Safety Pedal, Ergonomic Pedal with Lower Leg Fixation, Walking Aid Mount, One Hand Actuation for Drivetrain and Brakes, Ergomesh HS Plus Seat), Left and Right Mirrors

Other:

Maximum Load 140 kg, 5.51 m Diameter Turning Circle, Suspension Travel: 6 cm Front 8 cm Rear, 5 Amp Fast Charger Weighs 1.2 lbs, Locking Removable Battery Packs (Charge On or Off the Frame), Built in Parking Brake on Left Bar, Hold Down Plus for Walk Mode and Hold Down Minus for Reverse

Motor Brand:

Go SwissDrive

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Gearless Direct Drive Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts (Optional 250 Watt)

Motor Peak Output:

750 watts

Motor Torque:

45 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

15.5 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

558 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Estimated Max Range:

90 miles (145 km)

Display Type:

Fixed Backlit Color LCD (2.3

Readouts:

Battery Level, Speed, Odometer, Estimated Range, Assist Level (1-5) Regeneration (2 Levels), Maximum Speed, Energy Use, Trip Time, Stopwatch, Calling List, Data Storage

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Torque and Speed Sensing)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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The HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec is definitely one of the coolest electric bikes I’ve ever had the pleasure to test ride. Recumbent bikes offer a number of advantages on their own (stability, aerodynamic efficiency, special needs adaptability) and these are further enhanced with the addition of electric assist. You can go further, reduce knee strain and perhaps match riding speeds with a more advanced cyclist friend. HP Velotechnik is a German company that offers premium frames and accessories that meet the highest EU standards (earning them recognition at Eurobike 2012). The Scorpion FS in particular, is a full suspension frame that offers a more comfortable ride. I’m a huge fan of suspension, especially over long distances and at higher speeds… which the Scorpion FS was made for. the frame is compatible with a wind faring for warmth in cold and wet riding conditions and comes standard with front and rear fenders, integrated LED lights, regenerative braking, a rear rack with 55 lb max load, USB charging port (for your portable electronics or phone), Bluetooth integration and a special reverse mode for those moments when your best cornering skills just won’t cut it. All of this is great but it’s not even the best part! This thing is a speed pedelec meaning it can hit ~28 mph top speeds in the highest levels of assist. Riding at these higher speeds definitely eats into the battery but there too, HP Velotechnik has found a solution… You can add a second battery pack for double the range. Also, with 27 speeds, you should have no problem finding a comfortable pedaling cadence and the drivetrain components are top of the line, Shimano Deore XT, for reduced weight and improved durability. The only minor gripes I have about this ebike are the limited availability in the US (as of this review), the lack of throttle mode (not surprising since this recumbent electric bike hails from Europe where throttles aren’t allowed) and the understandably higher price point. This thing is premium, all the way around. It comes in two track sizes, two colors (or custom if you pay extra), it offers two seat types (both adjustable) and it even folds for easier transport. Awesome!

Driving the bike is a a powerful but near-silent gearless direct drive hub motor from Go SwissDrive. It’s the same motor used with the celebrated Specialized Turbo electric bike. Hub motors are easier on drivetrain components (sprockets and chains) because they turn the wheel directly and independently from pedaling input. They do tend to create a rear-heavy platform but with the Scorpion FS S-Pedelec this weight helps to improve traction and even out the boom and two 20″ front wheels. By the way, this bike is called the FS 26 because it has a larger 26″ rear wheel. The larger wheel spans gaps and creates a smoother ride, along with the RockShox Monarch RL air suspension. Being suspended, the hub motor increased unsprung weight here but performance still felt great to me. Many times when testing gearless motors I feel like they don’t offer the same torque and power at low speeds but the Go SwissDrive is an exception. It starts smoothly and continues adding power all the way up to ~28 mph where it gently eases out… it’s not jerky and I really appreciate that. Once you’ve stopped or turned and need to reposition the bike there’s even a reverse mode built in. This is a wonderful addition that isn’t present on most other recumbent electric bikes I’ve reviewed, it doesn’t seem necessary on two-wheeled bikes but is definitely handy with a heavier platform like this weighing ~68 pounds. There is also a walk mode (slow forward throttle) that can be activated by pressing on the Plus button for a couple seconds.

Powering the Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec is one or two removable Lithium-ion battery packs. They mount to custom plates positioned just below and behind the seat which protects them from the elements and keeps weight extremely low and center… and a bit towards the back. As mentioned with the rear-oriented motor weight, this improves wheel traction and helps to balance the front boom and crankset. The batteries each offer 36 volts of power with 15.5 amp hours of capacity, combined they offer over 1 kilowatt hour which is on the large side for any type of electric bike. If you’re planning to commute over 40 miles per day or go touring, this could be an excellent choice and in the lower levels of assist it could get you 80+ miles. According to this Gizmag article from 2013, CEO Paul Hollants explained that a common request for HP Velotechnik electric bikes has been increased range and that a lot of owners simply carried a spare battery in one of their panniers. The double battery mount solution available with the Scorpion FS was prepared as a direct response to this need and I think it looks and works very well. As a quick aside, the included charger is rated at 5 Amps which is quite a bit faster than the 2 Amp chargers I usually see. It only weighs ~1.2 pounds and is super small so topping off along your ride can also significantly increase range. It would be really cool to see a solar charger built into a bike like this someday… one bike could trickle charge while the other provides power :D

Operating this bike is pretty easy once the battery or batteries are mounted and the power button has been pressed on the button pad near the display. There are quite a few optional readouts built into the display but the primary menu remains simple and intuitive listing speed, battery level, estimated range and assist or regen mode. You’ve got five levels of assist to choose from here and the lower ones will conserve power by accelerating more slowly and limiting top speed. There are two levels of regen to choose from and I love that both brake levers activate the lowest level of regen for the most stopping power and energy regeneration. So many electric bikes that have the potential to regenerat energy (using a gearless direct drive hub) pass it up and still others only offer it through a menu so they can use fancier brake levers or reduce complexity and wire clutter… In my opinion, HP Velotechnik has done it right here by offering a full set of regen options. Anyway, I really like the button pad and quickly got used to the plus and minus buttons because they are easy to reach and feel as you ride, even without looking down. When you want more information from the display there’s a mode “box” sort of button that changes to a full trip readout with max speed and energy use, stopwatch, caller list and data storage. It’s more like a miniature computer than a simple display and the screen has been designed to be readable in bright light and is also coated with anti-glare.

In closing, I really enjoyed testing the HP Velotechnik Scorpion Full Suspension 26″ Speed Pedelec recumbent. I had never before considered buying a bike like this despite the gains in efficiency and ergonomics in large part because they gave me a neck ache while riding over bumps and cracks. The full suspension design helped to alleviate this for me and the adjustable boom, seat and optional sizing options really won me over. This machine is finely tuned and made with extremely high quality components and materials. After test riding the bike and then going online to learn more from the official site my appreciation only grew. The HP Velotechnik recumbent bicycles are designed and assembled in Germany and go through stringent review and testing before being shipped out. With so many adaptive accessories available, the option of a wind faring and the second battery pack I feel like this thing could accommodate just about anyone with legs… and for those who don’t have legs or have extreme physical needs, check out the Outrider Horizon which also offers full suspension and can be custom manufactured to suit quadriplegics and amputees. I love the look of the Scorpion, the color options and the solid warranty and longstanding reputation of HP Velotechnik. I’d gladly recommend this bike to anyone with the desire for increased speed, range and comfort.

Pros:

Super powerful, fast and quiet hub motor from Go SwissDrive, one of the best hub motors I’ve tested (available on this and other premium ebikes), capable of ~28 mph top speeds
Regenerative braking helps to reduce wear on brake pads and recapture energy during decents, it’s ~10% efficient, you could also use this feature to train indoors if the bike is setup on rollers
Bluetooth interface can alert incoming phone calls and read tour data with the HP Velotechnik App, Powered 5 volt 1 Amp USB port can charge portable electronics
In addition to a large, color, backlit LCD display and Bluetooth compatibility for use with smart phones you also get a tactile button pad that controls assist level, it’s easy to reach and use without glancing down at the display or taking your hand off the right grip
The Go SwissDrive is super quiet, powerful at low speeds (impressive for a gearless direct drive motor) and offers reverse at 3 km/h (1.86 mph), this is extra convenient on a recumbent where turning radius might be less than some traditional two wheel ebikes
Recumbent trikes offer aerodynamic efficiency, adding panniers to the Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec is said to improve this and a second battery pack is said to improve stability and rear wheel traction
Compatible with a comprehensive line of special needs accessories including: Stand Up Aid, Hand Rest, Pedal with Heel Strap, Ergonomic Safety Pedal, Ergonomic Pedal with Lower Leg Fixation, Walking Aid Mount, One Hand Actuation for Drivetrain and Brakes, Ergomesh HS Plus Seat
Independent front wheel braking for improved cornering, open wheel mounts for easy and fast detachment
Full suspension design adds comfort, especially over long distances and riding at higher speeds, it also handles cargo more gently
Tool-free folding design saves space during transport, the chain stays on and wraps using guides, self locking hinges click into place when unfolded
Units are assembled in Kriftel, Germany and checked by the Technical University of Rüsselsheim for quality to meet EU regulations
Speed pedelec capable of higher top speeds ~28 mph (classified as a multilane vehicle under EU-law, may require a special license)
Winner of the 2012 Eurobike award for exceptional quality, performance and innovative design

Cons:

While coasting or pedaling without motor power some efficiency is lost due to cogging (the magnets inside the large gearless hub repel the staters and create drag) but the system does recapture some of this energy at ~10% efficiency, it also features regenerative braking
This is one of the most expensive recumbent electric trikes I’ve tested and reviewed… but it’s also incredibly awesome and versatile ;)

Resources:

Official Site: http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/produkte/scorpion_fs26_s-pedelec/index_e.html
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/wagTZXTBkE5MHt4y9

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

Andy

9 years ago

Court, thanks for the great review. This bike looks like it would be a blast to ride. My only concern would be whether one would be seen by car drivers (either parked or moving). What do you think? I really appreciate your website-thanks! PS. Even with a flag, I wonder how visible one would be.

Court Rye

Hi Andy! I haven’t spent much time commuting with recumbent bikes but I have heard concerns about visibility before. The lighted “whip” flag seems like it would help and being able to ride on a bike path on a more open road probably helps as well. Maybe someone else will chime in but I’m guess it’s will be opinion based feedback, I’m not sure if any studies have been done around bicycle safety and type of bike platforms. Here’s a short stack exchange post about recumbents with some comments on safety that might interest you.

Court, thanks for your response and the further info on recumbents and safety!

Denman

Been riding an FS26 for 2 years now. The only problem with the FS26 is there isn’t anything to move up to anymore. GoSwiss is a sweet unit. Not cheap but very nice.

Wow! I just visited your website Denman and it looks like you have a lot of deep resources for trikes http://www.triketech.com it’s interesting to think about the FS26 as being top of the line and having nowhere else to go (aside from possibly building something completely new of your own). The bike definitely costs but I love the suspension, I think it’s the only way I’d actually use a recumbent regularly given my neck and back issues :)

Tom

7 years ago

Your reviews are great! So thorough. I noticed that you mentioned back and neck issues. I have herniated C1 and I simply can no longer ride my Trek Madone Discovery – it breaks my heart. I’m moving to a trike for that reason. Do you think that’s a bad idea? What is your experience? Appreciate any guidance you can me.

Thanks,
Tom

Robert Matson

(Context: I’m an HP Velotechnik dealer as well as a rider and trip guide.) The Scorpion FS 26 S-Pedelec truly IS an amazing machine and a lot of fun to ride. Regarding visibility and being seen on roads, that’s a great question that a lot of people ask. Here is a way to visualize what it’s like: when I ride a Scorpion, I’m eye-level with drivers of sports cars, such as a Corvette. (I’m 5’11”. A shorter rider would be lower.) So, my experience is that I’m low, but not ridiculously low. I can see the faces of drivers. I can see their eyes in their rear view mirrors. I can see if they see me. As for riding around trucks and vans with their massive blind spots, I approach it the same regardless of what sort of bike I’m riding, recumbent or otherwise: I ride (drive) defensively and assume no one sees me. Regarding the safety flag, personally, I don’t ride with one, but many people do. Instead, I usually wear a high-viz helmet and a high-viz top layer to increase visibility. In addition, the Scorpion is available in any of the standard RAL colors, including bright yellows, oranges, greens, etc. for only US$170 and that can increase visibility. Ride on, RM

Great feedback Robert! Brightly colored helmets and those with lights attached can go a long way to improve visibility. You mentioned RAL color options for the Scorpion… what does RAL stand for, I’ve never heard it before?

I just visited your website by the way http://www.nycrecumbentsupply.com/ pretty cool stuff! Thanks for providing some context and being transparent about your position :D

Here’s what Wikipedia writes to explain RAL:

“RAL is a colour matching system used in Europe. In colloquial speech RAL refers to the RAL Classic system, mainly used for varnish and powder coating but nowadays there are reference panels for plastics as well. Approved RAL products are provided with a hologram as of early 2013 to make unauthorised versions difficult to produce. Imitations may show different hue and colour when observed under various light sources.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAL_colour_standard

Go paint yourself into the picture, :-)
– Robert

Oh yeah… picture painting time XD

Gary Bradford

8 years ago

I bought my wife and I each a HP Scorpion FS-26 Pedelec trike this past year after having another brand trike with an add-on electric assist kit. The Scorpion with its suspension is fantastic, the Go-Swiss electric assist drive is powerful, quite and has been trouble free. Since purchasing the Scorpion in Jun 2015, eight of my riding friends have also purchased Scorpion FS-26 Pedelecs after test riding ours. I highly recommend HP Velotechnik for building such a fine machine. None of us have experienced any problems with the trikes, and 7 of us will be heading north (from Texas) in Jun 2016 to ride our Scorpions over the entire 360 mile Erie Canal trail.

Wow! That sounds like an awesome ride Gary… I can’t believe that eight of your friends also joined in after demoing yours, that’s fantastic! Be sure to check in and update us on the ride, you could even post some pics in the forums :D

Dave King

Hi Gary: Just curious, what is your opinion on the carrying capacity of the fs 26 with the wheel going above the racks and not allowing a bag on top. To me the rack is kinda an afterthought, I would prefer something like on their scorpion fx which allows you to carry two panniers on either side plus a bag on top, everything else is great about the pedelec except for rack and carry capacity, I don’t want to have to pull a trailer. regards, Dave

Carl Elston

6 years ago

Dave, how was the 300 ride 3 yrs ago? How is the Bent running after three years? I’ve been riding the same bike since 2018. Trying to decide to add GoSwiss Hub motor or Bottom Bracket Bafang the several friends have had for three years.

Rear hub is easier to install. The Bottom Bracket Bafang seems to have a good record for durability and can be rebuilt. It can also use a different battery for only $370.

Let me know. Thank you.

Hi: What about the rear rack on the fs 26 pedelec , the tire sticks above the rack so you cannot put a bag on top. Can you get a rack that will carry two panniers on each side for up to four panniers, like you can do on the scorpion fx. My concern is lack of load carrying capacity. regards

I see, that’s a good point… I think they keep the rack low for stability, nice that this ebike has a fender still so you can stay dry without a trunk bag. Consider panniers like these, they could be attached to the rack further forward by the seat (see how there is a pannier blocker bar on the rack to keep bags from rubbing the tires)

Tom (EU)

Court, Thanks for the incredible reviews (quality and content), that’s very useful to understand what’s on the market.

All, I was wondering if anyone is using the Scorpion FS26 S-Pedelec for his daily commute? I have already tested this trike for 4 days on the trip home-work (30km, with up/downhill parts, so I really need the electric support), and it was really awesome. Yet I’m interested to hear from someone who has extensive experience in using this for regular commuting (compared to regular bike). Anyone can share his/her commuting experience with this?

Hi Tom! Glad the website has been of use to you. Hopefully someone else will chime in to share their more extensive experience with it. Enjoy the ride!