My Take
The VMAX VX2 Hub is one of those motorcycles that doesn’t jump off the page with outrageous specs, but once you start riding it, you realize how well rounded it is.
I’ve tested/ridden many scooters that focus on speed or prioritize portability, and the VX2 Hub sits somewhere in between. It’s fast enough to make commuting fun, comfortable enough for long rides, and functional enough that I’d actually like to use it every day.
Another surprise about the VX2 Hub is how powerful it is for its size, although I didn’t find it difficult to control. I double-checked the spec sheet, though, because the acceleration feels like that of a much bigger scooter. Most riders have probably never experienced this kind of power in what is such a compact and manageable chassis.
While the VX2 Hub won’t win any awards for having the sleekest design, it more than makes up for its understated looks when you hit the throttle. This scooter lets its performance shine, and after a few rides, that’s what you’ll remember the most.
VMAX VX2 Hub Electric Scooter
Love
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Good acceleration for a single motor motorcycle Strong suspension setup Integrated turn signals Large UL certified battery with impressive range Stable ride at high speeds Bright TFT display Fast charging for battery size.
Don’t like it
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Mechanical rear brake instead of hydraulic Range decreases significantly when riding at high speeds (common to all electric scooters)
Power comes from a rear hub motor capable of producing up to 1,900 watts of peak output. Acceleration is smooth and predictable without feeling jerky. The scooter tops out at about 33 mph, which is more than enough for most bike lanes and city rides. I was able to easily achieve this top speed despite being a big rider.
The VMAX VX2 Hub is designed to handle more than flat city streets. It can handle inclines of up to 35% while supporting riders weighing up to 287 pounds. Despite packing plenty of performance, the scooter tips the scales at a manageable 57 pounds. The 17.95-inch long and 7.40-inch wide footboard provided more than enough space for my 12-foot shoes, allowing me to fine-tune my posture during long rides. The handlebars measure just under 40 inches in diameter, giving the VX2 Hub a planted, stable feel and plenty of power when weaving through traffic or filming turns.
What impressed me the most was the ride quality. A combination of oil-reduced front suspension, rear elastomer suspension and 10-inch tubeless tires do an excellent job of soaking up bumps from hard pavement, expansion joints and potholes. New York City streets are not known for being smooth, and the VX2 Hub handled it better than most scooters of this size I’ve tested.
Flashy lights and eye-catching paint jobs are nice, but let’s be honest: Most of us buy motorcycles to get from point A to B as quickly and safely as possible. This is where the VX2 Hub shines. It strikes a good balance between stability and portability. While I don’t want to climb a few flights of stairs every day, it’s manageable enough for us commuters, and light enough to load into an SUV or bring into the office when needed. I personally keep it in my walk-up flat for three flights, while my heavier rides are in the rack.
Unlike other types of scooters that force you to download an app just to access basic functions, the VX2 Hub works very well out of the box. That said, the VMAX E-Scooter app adds a few useful features for riders who want to dig a little deeper. With the app, you can view real-time ride data, monitor battery status and remaining distance, record trips and review ride history. It also includes route planning, turn-by-turn navigation, distance estimation based on your riding habits and conditions and the ability to plan custom routes before you leave home. I appreciate that VMAX treats the app as an enhancement rather than a requirement, allowing passengers to decide how connected they want their experience to be.
Battery and Range
VMAX rates the VX2 Hub at up to 56 miles from its UL Certified Lithium Ion 48-volt, 874-Wh battery.
As always, range numbers are highly dependent on rider weight, terrain, weather conditions and speed. Most riders will not cover the full 56 kilometers unless they ride carefully. Based on my real-world usage, I think most riders can expect 25-40 miles per charge, which is still enough for a few days of travel without needing access to a charger. The battery also recharges surprisingly quickly. From zero, it takes more than 4 hours, which is surprising considering the size of the battery.
Safety features
VMAX has done a great job equipping the VX2 Hub with features that riders use. Integrated turn signals make lane changes safer, while bright front and rear lights improve visibility during morning and evening commutes. Front drum brake, rear mechanical disc brake and regenerative braking system provide braking.
The scooter is also IPX6 rated, which means it can handle wet roads and light rain without issue, although I’d still avoid riding in standing water whenever possible.
Final thoughts
The VMAX VX2 Hub is one of the best bikes I’ve ridden this year. It offers a stable ride, plenty of power, useful safety features and battery capacity to handle the weekly travel needs of many riders without worrying about charging. If you’re in the market for a premium scooter that balances performance, comfort and performance, the VX2 Hub deserves serious consideration.
Beast mode
For anyone who owns a VMAX VX2 Hub and is wondering how I was hitting 30+ mph, the scooter does not deliver at its top open speed. You will need to enable it Beast modebut only if you are comfortable and confident to ride at high speed.
How to unlock Beast Mode:
Open the scooter.
Make sure it’s logged in Beginning of Zero mode (capable of accelerating from a complete stop).
Quickly press the button Power/On button five times.
Once enabled, the standard 20 mph speed limit is removed, allowing the VX2 Hub to reach speeds 34+ mph where permitted by law.
Ride responsibly, wear a helmet and always obey local laws and speed laws.
