The Sterling S50 Carbon is a superb flat-folding carbon-fibre travel scooter, and in our view it is the best-built folder of its kind. It is not the cheapest or the lightest carbon scooter on the market, but it feels a clear step up in quality: more solid underfoot, more spacious to sit on, and better finished than most rivals at this size. It runs at 4 mph and covers up to around 11.9 miles on a charge.
Sterling scooters have a great reputation for quality and reliability, which is why the S50 Carbon is a favourite among trustworthy mobility retailers. We stock it at our Stockport showroom, and this review is our honest feedback after testing the scooter over a period of weeks.
What is the Sterling S50 Carbon?
It is a lightweight, folding mobility scooter built around a carbon-fibre frame. At 4 mph it is a Class 2 scooter, meant for pavements rather than the road. The battery is a removable lithium pack, which keeps the weight down and makes the S50 easier to take out for charging or for travel.
The simple 2 step folding couldn’t be easier: release the catch under the seat to fold flat, then lower the tiller. Once folded down it is compact enough to go in a car boot or be stored out of the way.
Build quality and comfort
This is where the S50 Carbon earns its price. The seat feels more supportive and the footplate feels more spacious than rival flat folders (such as the Monarch Genie Ultralight or the Drive Aero MG), so taller and larger users tend to appreciate this scooter especially.
The lights are worth a mention too. Front and rear LEDs are integrated into the bodywork rather than bolted on which protects them from damage and adds to the contemporary design.
How does it ride?
The wheels are relatively large for a folding scooter and the tyres are fairly soft, so pavement joins and dropped kerbs come through less harshly than you might expect from a portable model.
Folding, weight and travel
The frame weighs around 13 kg without the battery so the heaviest single piece stays easily manageable for most people to lift. Travel is a real strength here. The airline-friendly lithium battery is removable, which matters for flights, and there is a purpose-made hard suitcase with a foam cut-out that the scooter sits into, a good option if you plan to travel on a plane. There is a wide range of other accessories, from useful bags to coloured wheel trims.
Sterling S50 Carbon specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 4 mph (6 km/h) |
| Range per charge | Up to 11.9 miles (19.2 km) |
| Frame | Carbon fibre |
| Weight | 13 kg without battery |
| Battery | 24V 12Ah lithium, removable |
| Maximum user weight | 120 kg |
| Length | 1030 mm |
| Width | 530 mm |
| Turning radius | 1475 mm |
| Lighting | Integrated front and rear LEDs |
| Folding | Manual, folds flat |
Who is the S50 Carbon for?
It suits someone who wants a folding scooter they can lift into a car or take away with them, and who would rather pay a little more for something that feels thoughtfully designed and comfortable to sit on. If your priority is the absolute lightest or cheapest folder, there are other options; if you want the best-built one, this is our pick.
The best way to judge any scooter is to sit on it, so you are welcome to try the Sterling S50 Carbon and compare it with the rest of our mobility scooters in our Stockport showroom. Call 0161 429 6000 or come and see us for honest advice.
Pop in or call the team at A6 Mobility Shop.
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