The Hiboy MAX V2 is an electric scooter that has taken the market by storm. This powerful and stylish scooter offers a convenient and eco-friendly way of getting around town. With a powerful motor, top-notch design, and a long-range battery, the Hiboy MAX V2 is one of the best value-for-money scooters in the market.
In this review, we’ll look into the features and performance of the Hiboy MAX V2, and see why it has become so popular.
Acceleration
The Hiboy MAX V2 goes from zero to 24 km/h in 9.1 seconds, which is a rather slow, gradual acceleration even for a scooter in the budget commuter class. For example, the GoTrax G4 has a tested zero to 24 km/h time of 6.3 seconds.
Top Speed
The Hiboy MAX V2 has a respectable top speed of 29.9 km/h, despite the fact that it takes a while to accelerate. If you’re familiar with riding a shared scooter, you’re probably used to traveling a tad slower, as the average top speed is around 24 km/h. This gradual acceleration is a great feature for beginners because it allows the rider to adjust to the speed.
Range
The Hiboy MAX V2’s tested range is 14,7 kilometers. As a budget commuter, it has comparable range to other scooters in its class. The actual range depends on the size and riding style of the rider.
Suspension
The MAX V2 has been upgraded from the previous MAX model with a front spring and dual rear shock absorbers. Although the MAX V2 is one of the few scooters with a full suspension system at such a low price, you will hear the springs clanking as you ride over bumps. In conclusion, if you’re looking for the least expensive scooter with the best suspension system, you can shift to Horizon 10.4.
Unlike the MAX V2, the Horizon features a system that absorbs urban terrain vibrations with ease, allowing you to ride in comfort as opposed to the MAX V2’s bone-rattling ride. In addition to being more comfortable than the MAX V2, scooters with pneumatic tires and no suspension, such as the Turboant X7 Pro and GoTrax G4, offer a more pleasant riding experience.
The Braking System
The V2’s dual braking system is shown on the handlebars, with the electric thumb brake to the left and the rear disc handbrake to the right. The responsiveness of the electronic brake depends on the battery level of the scooter, so as the battery decreases, the electronic brake becomes less effective.
Using both brakes simultaneously enables a safe and quick stop. This is primarily due to the presence of brakes on both wheels. Fortunately, the MAX V2 has regenerative braking, allowing you to extend your range when using the electronic brake. When you apply the brakes, the wasted kinetic energy is converted into stored energy in the battery.
Charging Time
It takes 6 hours to go from empty to full, which, when put in context, is somewhat lengthy. The Hiboy S2 Pro delivers 25 miles in the same amount of time as the Turboant X7 Pro delivers 30 miles. Likewise, the GoTrax XR Elite has a maximum range of 18.6 miles and a charging time of 4 hours.
Portability
The MAX V2 is a lightweight scooter at 16 kilograms, but the “one-step folding design” requires some practice and force to release. To disengage the folding latch, you must hold the deck down with one foot, push the stem away from you with one hand, and release the latch with the other hand.
The advantage of this design is that the stem has minimal flex while riding. The MAX V2 does not have foldable handlebars, but the stem folds and locks into a transportable position. The stem has a relatively large diameter, so riders with smaller hands may find it difficult to carry it one-handed.
The V2 is 112 cm in length, 47 cm in width, and 111 cm in height, with a folded height of 41 cm.
Cockpit
The cockpit of the Hiboy MAX V2 is very clean, with thumb controls on either side of the easy-to-read backlit center display, mechanical brake lever on the right, and bell on the left. The thumb throttle is commonly found on entry-level scooters due to its ergonomic and user-friendly design.
The hand grips are slightly textured and screw-on, and they can become unscrewed during use. As the hand grips loosen, this is not a safety concern, but it is something to be aware of.
The Handlebars
The handgrips on the MAX V2 feature a textured rubber design. Compared to cheaper foam alternatives, this provides superior grip, control, and peace of mind that your handlebars will withstand the test of time against wear and tear. Hiboy has made it a point to display the dual braking system on their handlebars, and the MAX V2 is no exception.
The thumb-operated electric braking system is located on the left side, while the rear disc handbrake is located on the right. On other similar scooters, using the handbrake simultaneously engages the electronic brake. However, the brakes on this scooter operate independently.
Also located on the right is the thumb throttle. A move from the MAX to the MAX V2 is that the button on the display has moved onto the throttle, this allows you to adjust things like riding mode or control the lights comfortably as your thumb is already in place. The display is located in the middle of the handlebars.
It has an egg-shaped screen that is tilted at a slight downward angle to prevent sunlight from reflecting off it and diminishing visibility.
Frame
As with most other electric scooters, the V2 features the matte-black finish that has become the standard in the scooter industry. Made from an aviation-grade aluminum alloy, it is exceptionally durable. The V2’s frame is able to withstand normal wear and tear without difficulty.
The scooter weighs 35 pounds, which is a bit heavy, but folding it up and transporting it for short distances should not be a problem.
Deck
The deck is lined with a rubber material that provides stability. The matting is simple to clean and tightly adhered to the deck so that it does not peel off easily. Hiboy promotes a “extra-wide” standing platform that measures 5.8 inches but in reality, it’s the same size as many of the GoTrax and Turboant models.
In terms of length, however, the MAX V2 has the upper hand. It is approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches longer than the standard deck on budget scooters, measuring 21.6 inches. Consequently, the additional legroom permits a comfortable stance. In contrast to other Hiboy scooters, most notably the S2 series, the charging port is located on the side of the deck as opposed to the handlebar post.
Lights
The Hiboy MAX V2 is equipped with adequate lighting, including a high-mounted headlight and a fender-mounted tail light. Additionally, there are blue deck lights along the sides of the deck. None are extremely bright, but the headlight is adequate for nighttime travel at lower speeds (approximately 24 km/h).
Tires
Similar to the majority of Hiboy’s budget-friendly scooters, the MAX V2 has dual 8.5-inch solid rubber tires. The solid tires make flat tires a thing of the past, and the reinforced fender keeps the rear tire in good condition by preventing rubbing against the tread. But, their downfall is their lack of cushioning.
Despite its honeycomb design and dual front and rear suspension systems, the V2 fails to provide comfort, forcing you to ride only on perfectly paved roads and sidewalks. This is a real shame considering how much better this scooter could have been with air-filled tires. If you wish to maintain a low budget while enjoying a superior riding experience, you should consider purchasing a scooter with pneumatic (air-filled) tires.
Build Quality
For an inexpensive commuter, the Hiboy MAX V2’s construction is understated and sturdy. The stem and deck feel sturdy, but the clacking suspension and fender give it an inexpensive sound. If you want pedestrians to notice you, this will get their attention. However, they will be searching for the source of the noise rather than admiring your sweet scooter.
At rest, the Hiboy MAX V2 resembles the Segway ES4, but it does not ride nearly as well and does not feel as well-constructed as the ES4. Except for the sounds of the suspension, the ride is silent. Linked regenerative and disc brakes are ideal for introducing novice riders to scooting.
If the tires were larger or filled with air, the vehicle would handle cracks and rough terrain considerably better. The MAX V2 has a water resistance rating of IPX4 and can accommodate riders weighing up to 120 kilograms.
The Quality of the Ride
Considering its features, the Hiboy MAX V2 has a passable ride quality. Small, solid tires and slower acceleration make the MAX V2 a disappointing ride for those in search of thrilling speed or a super-smooth ride. The three riding modes have different maximum travel speeds, with a blue light indicating beginner mode, a yellow light indicating normal mode, and a red light indicating sport mode.
The acceleration is gradual and seamless. When cruise control is activated after maintaining constant speed for six to eight seconds, you will hear an alert and see an icon for cruise control on the display. Some scooters do not indicate when cruise control has been activated, which can be a safety hazard.
What is the Difference Between Hiboy MAX V2 and S2 Pro?
The main difference between the Hiboy MAX V2 and S2 is the size of their wheels. The MAX V2 has 8.5-inch solid rubber tires, while the S2 Pro has 10-inch air-filled pneumatic tires. As a result, the MAX V2 has a much rougher ride than the S2 due to the lack of cushioning provided by the pneumatic tires.
Can You Leave Hiboy MAX V2 in the Sun?
The Hiboy MAX V2 should not be left in the sun for extended periods of time. The aluminum alloy frame and the battery can become damaged if exposed to the sun’s heat for too long. Additionally, the rubber tires and plastic parts may also become discolored and brittle due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
To minimize the risk of damage, it is best to keep the scooter in a cool, dry location when not in use.
Can You Leave Your Hiboy MAX V2 Outside?
You can leave your Hiboy MAX V2 outside as long as it is kept in a dry and shaded area. The aluminum alloy frame and battery of the scooter are designed to be weather resistant, so they can withstand exposure to the elements.
However, it is important to keep the scooter out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, as these can cause the rubber tires to become brittle and the plastic components to discolor. It is also important to lock the scooter when it is left outside, as it is still vulnerable to theft.
Conclusion
The Hiboy MAX V2 is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget electric scooter. It offers a good range, reliable brakes, and a stable ride. The MAX V2 is an ideal choice for commuting short distances and leisurely excursions. While the MAX V2 is not the most powerful scooter on the market, it is a great value for the price.
