The VMAX VX5 Pro – Sleek Solid Simplicity Rules
Ever since Swiss brand VMAX made their way over to the U.S. about a year ago, we have been very impressed with their scooters, and the VX5 Pro is no exception. In this review, we’ll look at why it’s such a great buy for the price. Let’s go!
VMAX VX5 Pro – $449 – 549
Simplicity is king with the VX5 Pro and with VMAX’s scooters in general. They’ve got sleek, simple black styling a no nonsense frame design. The VX5 is one of the best-built scooters for the price I’ve ever tested.
This is a 36-volt electric scooter, and I reviewed the GT version with a 10.4 amp-hour battery. The smallest version only has a 5 amp-hour battery that is supposed to give you 11 miles of range.
The GT has a claimed range of 22 miles, but we’ll put that to the test. Overall, we have found that the GT version in each model offers the best value in terms of range per dollar.
Who Is This Scooter For?
The VX5 Pro is definitely an entry-level electric scooter with expert-level build quality. It’s light and portable and makes a great short-commute daily rider or last-mile solution. It’s an excellent first scooter for beginner adults and teens.
VMAX VX5 Pro GT Review
VMAX VX5 Pro GT Specs
Make | VMAX |
Model | VX5 Pro GT |
Weight | 36.8 lbs |
Motor power (continuous) | 400W (840W Peak) |
Motor type | Single motor |
Top Speed | 18 mph (Manufacturer spec) 18 mph (ESG tested) |
Range | 22 mi (Manufacturer spec) 23.4 mi (ESG tested) |
Battery capacity | 374.4 Wh |
Battery recharge time | 5 hrs |
Max rider weight | 265 lbs |
Brake type | Drum + Regenerative |
Tire type | Pneumatic (Inner Tube) + Pneumatic (Inner Tube) |
Tire dimensions | 9″ |
Suspension type | None + None |
Built-in lights | Ultra-bright 60 lux light, brake lights, turn signals |
Water resistance | IP54 |
UL Certification | UL2272 |
Our Full Video Review
Top: The VMAX VX5 Pro – Sleek Solid Simplicity RulesVMAX VX5 Pro GT: Performance
Top Speed
The VX5 Pro really feels like it’s punching above its weight class, because it’s got punchy acceleration, but the scooter doesn’t initially live up to its claimed top speed of 18 mph. While it can hit this top speed downhill, on flat ground, the scooter seems limited to 15.5 – 16 mph, measured by GPS.
That’s because VMAX’s top speed is firmware limited. VMAX is a Swiss company, and the max speed in most European countries is 15.5 miles per hour, and so that’s what you’ll get with the VX5 Pro unless you unlock the secret beast mode (I show you how in the video).
Once unlocked, the VMAX VX5 Pro GT hits a top speed of 18 miles per hour, as advertised, even with an over 200-pound rider.
Range
When it comes to range, the VMAX VX5 Pro overdelivered on its promises. VMAX claims 22 miles of range for this scooter. At the end of my range test, I hit 23.4 miles in the highest riding mode, the way most people will ride this scooter most of the time.
This is pretty unheard-of. We generally get around 60% of the claimed range estimate, and manufacturer range numbers are usually obtained in the lowest setting at the lowest top speed. So, huge props to VMAX for doing things the right way.
Top: The VMAX VX5 Pro – Sleek Solid Simplicity RulesBraking
The VX5 Pro has a dual braking system: a drum brake up front and rear electronic brake, which combine for some really decent stopping power. I especially liked using the rear brake to slow down. It feels very progressive and natural to brake with the motor.
Electronic braking won’t bring you to a complete stop, so you’ll need to use the front brake for that. The front drum brake isn’t ideal on its own, however, since it can lock up if too much force is applied and send you over the handlebars.
Hill Climb
Because this is a single motor scooter, you’re not going to get the best hill climbing, as you would with a dual motor. The VX5 is slow on hills, but it performs adequately.
The scooter is solidly built and lightweight, and its 840 Watts of peak power give it power to get you up and over most inclines.
Ride Quality
For an entry-level electric scooter, the ride quality of the VMAX VX5 Pro is really outstanding. For one thing, you get these little 9 inch tubeless tires. There is no suspension, but these do pretty good job of soaking up road vibration while keeping weight down.
There really is no need for suspension on a scooter that goes under 20 miles an hour, I have found. What I like about this scooter is the large riding platform, which was plenty spacious for my six-foot frame.
Top: The VMAX VX5 Pro – Sleek Solid Simplicity RulesVMAX VX5 Pro GT: Design, Build & Reliability
As I’ve said before and will say again, I can’t get over how well VMAX builds their electric scooters. You’ll never hear a rattle while riding
The VX5 Pro also has my favorite style of folding lock. It just clicks into place – it’s such a fantastic design and so solid that you’re never going to have to worry about it coming loose.
Quick folding and a light weight of under 40 pounds make the VX5 Pro one of the most portable scooters I’ve tested. It’s easy to stick in the back of a car or carry up stairs, and if you’re someone who values portability, this is going to be a fantastic choice.
The cockpit is a really simple, straightforward design. My one complaint is that the center display glass is tinted and can be really hard to see in bright light. But I’m a huge fan of the thumb throttle, brake levers, and nice grippy grips, and I love that the scooter has turn signals in the front and rear. That’s pretty rare for a budget-priced electric scooter.
VMAX VX5 Pro GT: Is It Worth It? Our Verdict
There’s even more to love about the VMAX VX5 Pro GT, like its fantastic app (No account! No logging in! Why do other scooters make me do this to change settings?). See more in our video review further up.
I think it’s safe to say at this point that I thoroughly recommend this scooter if you’re in the market for something portable, affordable, and ultra-reliable. VMAX scooters have high weather resistance, great warranties, and a growing reputation for quality in the US after almost ten years of scooter-building in Europe.
At this price, the VX5 Pro – like the original VMAX VX5 we reviewed a few months back – really is a steal. Pick one up now.
Top: The VMAX VX5 Pro – Sleek Solid Simplicity Rules