Can the American-Built HMP Flash Go the Distance?
- Paul Roberts
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Can an American-built electric scooter make riders look beyond short city commutes?
HMP thinks so. Its new Flash combines motorcycle-rivalling performance, optional dual batteries and an affordable price tag in a bid to prove electric scooters can be more than just urban runabouts.
Built to Go Beyond the City
Unlike most electric scooters designed purely for short trips, the Flash claims a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). That puts it into a very different category from the 30-50 mph machines that dominate the commuter market.
The Flash also comes with the kind of kit riders are starting to expect from larger electric motorcycles. ABS and traction control come as standard, along with a TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation, keyless start, reverse gear and regenerative braking.
A 15 kW (20 hp) peak motor provides the performance, while optional J1772 charging lets riders top up at many public Level 2 EV charging stations. The reinforced chassis and 397 lb (180 kg) load capacity also allow for two-up riding, making the Flash more practical for everyday commuting, errands and longer trips.
Range is another big part of the story. Buyers can choose a single removable battery or a dual-battery setup, with HMP claiming up to 106 miles (171 km) of range under ideal conditions. As always, riders should expect that number to drop when sitting at highway speeds.
But the biggest talking point is the price. The Flash starts at $4,999, putting it well below many electric motorcycles and making it one of the more affordable ways into faster electric two-wheel riding.
The Flash isn't HMP's only electric two-wheeler. Sitting below it in the range is the Lightning MK.II, a commuter-focused model for riders who don't need the extra speed. With a 7 kW peak motor, a claimed top speed of 56 mph and up to 62 miles of range, the Lightning trades performance for a lower starting price of $3,999.
HMP appears to be taking a two-bike approach: the Lightning for everyday commuting, and the Flash for riders who want to go further and faster. That makes sense, because not every rider needs a 75 mph scooter, but plenty want something more capable than a typical urban machine.
The BCB Take
Electric scooters have always made sense around town. The challenge has been convincing riders they're good for anything beyond the daily commute. HMP reckons the Flash can change that with more speed, removable batteries and a price that doesn't break the bank. Whether it lives up to that promise will come down to real-world range once you're sitting at 70 mph.
The bigger story is that electric bikes are starting to move beyond the idea that every new model needs to be faster, bigger and more expensive. We're seeing more manufacturers build bikes around specific riders and real-world needs instead. If HMP can deliver a scooter that's genuinely comfortable on longer rides while keeping the price around $5,000, it could have found a gap that plenty have been waiting to see filled.
At the end of the day, riders don't care what you call it. If it can comfortably get you beyond the daily commute, they'll just call it a good bike.
Ride safe, folks.
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