Reviews

The RoadRunner RS5 Max: Now Better AND Cheaper!

One year after our original review of the impressive RoadRunner RS5, the RS5 Pro and Max models arrive to doubly impress with major performance and features upgrades for 2024. Read our full review to learn more.

Roadrunner RS5 electric scooter

RoadRunner RS5 Max – $2,699 $2,499

RoadRunner began as the exclusive distributer for Nanrobot electric scooters in 2021. Then, last year, they began designing and selling their own models, focusing on tech-forward, light-heavyweight scooters and dependable customer service.

Based in Denver, CO, Roadrunner offers warranties of up to 4 years on all their scooters. Additionally, they have expert repair services and stock a wide selection of replacement parts, a key factor in our Reliability Index, along with other features like the RS5’s swappable name-brand battery.

When we first reviewed the original RoadRunner RS5, I had a couple minor complaints, but overall I found it an impressive performance ride thanks to hydraulic suspension, a large comfortable deck, and dual sinewave controllers.

Now that RoadRunner has released their latest updates, there’s even more to love with the Pro and Max, which are identical in every respect except for the battery size and range numbers.

Who Is This Scooter For?

Like the RS5 and RS5+ electric scooters, both the RoadRunner RS5 Pro and RS5 Max are designed for intermediate-to-advanced riders who want a light-heavyweight electric scooter with fast acceleration and suspension made for all-road — and even off-road — riding. All for well under $3000.

You’d be hard-pressed to find these features at this price with the exceptional warranty and customer service RoadRunner offers. I tested the Max version of the RoadRunner RS5.



Roadrunner RS5 Max Specs

MakeRoadRunner
ModelRS5 Pro/Max
Weight88 lbs
Motor power (continuous)2,800W
Motor typeDual motor
Top Speed50 mph (Manufacturer spec)
39.5 mi (ESG tested)
Range60 mi (Manufacturer spec)
31.6 mi (ESG tested)
Battery capacityLG 1664 Wh
Battery recharge time16 hrs
Max rider weight330 lbs
Brake typeDisc + Disc
Tire typePneumatic (Tubeless) + Pneumatic (Tubeless)
Suspension TypeHydraulic + Hydraulic
Built-in lightsFront + Rear
Water resistanceIP54
UL CertificationN/A
Top: The RoadRunner RS5 Max: Now Better AND Cheaper!

Our Full Video Review

Top: The RoadRunner RS5 Max: Now Better AND Cheaper!

RoadRunner RS5 Max: Performance

Top Speed

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Real-world testing of the scooter in a two-directional speed run with data captured on pro-grade tracking equipment gave us a top speed of 39.5 mph.

This speed is plenty fast for any road you’ll find yourself riding. While I did see 52 mph on the speedometer, GPS data told a different story, so the speedometer may not be fully accurate.

Acceleration

The new RS5 Pro/Max hits 15 mph in a very speedy 2.2 seconds, just a touch faster than last year’s model.

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Where the new RS5 really hits its stride is its acceleration from 0 to 30. The new model shaves a full second off the earlier time, hitting 30 mph in 6.6 seconds.

Range

The larger 52V 32Ah battery (on the Max) gave us 31.6 miles on our challenging range course, a difference of 6 miles from last year’s model.

Top: The RoadRunner RS5 Max: Now Better AND Cheaper!

rs5 pro bars1

Braking

Hydraulic disc braking on the RS5 Pro/Max is exceptional — almost record-breaking — stopping the scooter from 15 mph in only 9.4 feet. We consider anything under 11 feet to be very good, so this is a very high bar.

Hydraulic disc brakes offer fine braking control, letting you modulate your speed easily. Dual regenerative braking is adjustable, but these remained on the lowest setting during our test.

Ride Quality

Dual hydraulic suspension delivers some of the best ride quality you’ll find on a non-adjustable system. The rebound feels like its tuned well for any kind of ground you might encounter with this scooter, even off-road adventures if you want to take them.

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I also put the RS5 through its paces off road and really enjoyed myself. The suspension handled even larger rocks and bumps really well, and the scooter took the abuse with no issues. The knobby tires makes this an ideal candidate for all-terrain riding and the weight gives it a good balance of stability and maneuverability.

rs5 pro full3

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RoadRunner RS5 Max: Design, Build & Reliability

Like the previous model, the RS5 Pro/Max has a very durable build quality and several features that earn it an 8.1 on our Reliability Index. These include the scooter’s excellent 1-year warranty and customer care, LG-made battery cells, and its removable, swappable battery.

rs5 pro display

The battery is very easy to remove and — apart from doubling the scooter’s range, potentially, if you shell out for a spare — allows you to charge it apart from the scooter.

Given that the RS5 weighs around 88 pounds, about average in this class, it’s nice to know you won’t always. have to haul it inside when you need a charge, though you should always store your scooter indoors overnight.

Folding, latching, and carrying the scooter isn’t especially difficult over short distances, but the RS5 Pro and Max aren’t made for carrying around; they’re made for giving the competitors a serious challenge while they give riders a serious thrill.

rs5 kickstand

RoadRunner RS5 Max: Is It Worth It? Our Verdict

The RoadRunner RS5 Pro/Max is one of those rare cases where a new model is an across-the-board upgrade in almost every respect.

rs5 pro front

The original RS5 was a good scooter, but the upgraded Pro and Max models are truly competitive with my favorite scooters at this price. For me, that means it’s comparable to electric scooters like the indomitable NAMI Klima Max — and that’s a pretty big compliment. I guess I’d call it call it an unqualified recommendation.

Top: The RoadRunner RS5 Max: Now Better AND Cheaper!

Mitchell Anderson

Mitchell has been fascinated by electric scooters since 2019. He began sharing his enthusiasm on his YouTube channel, “RK9 Rides,” in 2020. He joined Electric Scooter Guide in 2023, and between the two channels, he spends seven days a week riding, testing, and writing about electric scooters. He has tested dozens of models from dozens of brands and is always on the lookout for the newest and greatest scooters. His current favorite models are the NAMI Klima and the NIU KQi3 Max.

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