Hiboy Max Review

Design

Handlebars

Like most electric scooters that I’ve reviewed, the grips are wrapped with textured rubber that ensures control over the steering column. The width of the handlebars is slightly bigger than other models I’ve reviewed but it's not noticeable.

It has become a theme for Hiboy scooters to have dual brakes that can be operated independently, and the Max doesn’t break the mold. The rear disc handbrake is on the right and the electronic thumb brake is on the left. Usually, good budget scooters will share the same braking mechanisms as the MAX but combine them into one control. For instance, when you pull on the brake of the GoTrax G4, a rival scooter to the MAX, the rear disc brake and electronic regenerative brake kick into action simultaneously.

While previous Hiboy models, like the S2 range, have adopted an aesthetic that isn’t too dissimilar to that of the Xiaomi Mi 365, the MAX’s handlebars have had a makeover. The centrally-located LED display has an oblong-like shape and is positioned at a slight downward angle which makes it easier to read than other displays which are integrated into the flat of handlebars and often catch glare from sunlight.

Frame

Made from an aviation-grade aluminum alloy, the MAX has a frame that manages to withstand day-to-day wear and tear. You will see this material used on almost all scooters, including high-performance models, because of its robustness.

However, the increased size of the MAX’s frame compared to Hiboy’s S2 range pumps the weight up to 34 lbs. However, I’m sure you’d agree a sturdier scooter is a pretty acceptable outcome.

In terms of aesthetics, the MAX dons a neat-looking matte-black finish that has now become a staple in electric scooter design.

Deck

Much like the handgrips, the deck is covered with rubber matting.

There’s enough space on the deck for you to stand with one foot facing forwards and the other pulled in perpendicular to it. Hiboy states that the deck is wider than your average budget scooter but I measured it up against a couple of our GoTrax and Turboant models and they are all roughly the same size.

The side of the deck is lined with blue LEDs, and although they are not the brightest, they add a bit of style.

Wheels

The good thing about having solid tires is that they are flat resistant so there is little concern about the hassle of replacements or repairs.

However, the 8.5 inch solid tires also have zero cushioning despite being designed with a honeycomb pattern. As a result, the MAX fails to deliver comfort, forcing you to ride on only immaculate roads and sidewalks. To put the profile and performance of these tires into perspective, they are about the worst you can get, sitting just behind the Segway Ninebot Air T15.

If you want to keep your budget low but want a scooter that is comfortable to ride, I recommend taking a look at the Turboant X7 Pro.

Build Quality & Durability

As mentioned earlier, the aluminum alloy used to forge the MAX’s frame offers robustness. However, with just 3.5 inches of ground clearance, you need to be careful not to take on harsh hits to the underside of the deck as the battery is located here.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that because the scooter isn’t well equipped to absorb the terrain underfoot, that it’s not just you that is going to feel the brunt of vibrations as you ride, but the scooter, too.

Weight & Load

At 34 lbs the MAX lays claim to the 4th heaviest budget scooter under $500 (based on our independent database of 100+ scooters).

In the context of all electric scooters, though, this is on the light side. Plus, the stem has a small enough diameter for most hands to grab hold of and pick up.

The maximum 220 lbs load is quite standard; it’s enough to carry most adults and teens. However, the closer you get to 220 lbs capacity, the greater decline in performance you’ll see. If you weigh towards the upper limit of the 220 lb mark, you may want to consider the aforementioned Turboant X7 Pro. It has the greatest load-bearing capacity (275 lbs) of all scooters under $500.

Folding & Portability

Hiboy advertises a one-step folding design where you simply step on the folding lever between the stem and the deck to collapse the scooter. However, the folding lever is very stiff. It is a far cry from the easy-to-fold Hiboy S2 range.

Once you have folded the Max, it’s easy to carry.

Assembly

The scooter comes partly assembled.

All you need to do is attach the handlebars using the Allen wrench and screws provided.

Ride Quality

Is the Hiboy MAX Comfortable to Ride?

Unfortunately, despite all the features the MAX has to offer, it is plagued by a lack of comfort – which is quite a big factor when deciding on a scooter.

It has a front shock absorber, but despite this, it does very little to add any cushioning to the already stiff solid tires. It's quite frustrating as it prevents you from getting the most out of your scooter. When you start pushing the top speeds and encounter bumps, the brain-rattling and knee-shaking take away from the enjoyment of riding.

If you are still considering the MAX, be warned that handlebar height is relatively low and if you are over 5 ft 7 inches, you will be slightly hunched over.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

The 350W motor has enough juice to push the MAX to an impressive 18.6 mph when in ‘Sport’ mode (red light on the LED display). This makes it one of the fastest budget scooters, but it takes its time to hit top speeds. The acceleration curve is slower than the Hiboy S2, and while this makes it ideal for first-time riders to get to grips with scooting, it can be underwhelming if you’ve already experienced electric scooters.

If you are new to electric scooters and aren’t so comfortable riding, there are a couple of other riding modes aside from ‘Sport’ to ease you in. ‘Beginner’ mode (blue light) caps the top speed at 9.3 mph and ‘Normal’ mode (yellow light) caps it at 13.6 mph.

Range

With a full charge and under best-case conditions the MAX can squeeze out 17 miles. But realistically, you get 8-10 miles when riding at top speeds. This is the case with all electric scooters but for a similar price, the Turboant X7 Pro can keep the wheels rolling for up to 16 miles (and 30 miles in the best-case scenario).

If you ride in ‘Normal’, or even ‘Beginner’, mode, you will get a more economical ride and stand a better chance of getting more from the battery.

Hill Climbing

The MAX has been advertised as being able to scale 15% inclines, but because of the slow acceleration curve and lack of torque, it isn’t the best hill-climber.

Compared to GoTrax’s budget scooters, the Turboant X7 Pro, and even Hiboy’s S2 range, the MAX pales in comparison.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

It comes with a front shock absorber designed to reduce vibrations, but because of how small it is there isn’t enough travel to combat the harsh ride of the solid tires when going over bumps and cracks.

Considering the rest of the features this scooter has to offer, the solid tires sell it short. It also makes any models from the GoTrax range, including the Apex, XR Ultra, XR Elite, and G4, alongside the Turboant X7 Pro, far more attractive options thanks to their plush shock-absorbing air-filled tires.

Braking

The MAX displays its double braking system on the handlebars, with the electronic thumb brake on the left and the rear disc handbrake on the right. Using them in unison provides effective and safe braking. But, if you want to prolong battery life, using the electronic brake alone activates the regenerative brake system. This system converts the kinetic energy lost when decelerating back into stored energy in the battery.

Charge Time

For a battery that only stores enough energy for 17 miles, the 6 hour charge time is quite long, especially when you compare it to the Hiboy S2 Pro which can keep the wheels rolling for 25 miles, and the Turboant X7 Pro (30 miles) – both of which deliver a full battery in the same charge time.

Extra Features

LED Dashboard

The dashboard, located in the center of the handlebars, is bright and easy to read, giving you all the information you need. Your speed, battery level, riding mode, and cruise control status can all be seen on the display.

Using the button on the dashboard you can control the riding modes and an LED will indicate which mode you are in; blue for ‘Beginner’, yellow for ‘Normal’, and red for ‘Sport’.

The oblong-like shape is like no other that I’ve reviewed but it looks good and is positioned at a slight downward angle which makes it easier to read than other displays which are integrated into the flat of handlebars that often catch glare from sunlight.

LED Lights

Equipped with a triple lighting system, including a headlight, taillight, and side deck lighting, the MAX has one of the best lighting setups of all the scooters under $500 that I’ve reviewed.

The LED headlight is strong enough to make you visible to oncoming traffic and pedestrians but I still recommend buying an additional brighter headlight to illuminate the path ahead.

The taillight, otherwise known as brake light, lets those behind you stay alert to your presence.

As for the deck lights, they aren’t overly bright and only become apparent when it is very dark. Nevertheless, it’s better to have them than not.

To control the lights, you simply use the button on the LED panel to turn them on and off.

Cruise Control

It’s now become very common to see cruise control on electric scooters and MAX is no exception. The cruise control conveniently kicks into gear automatically after maintaining a constant speed for 8 seconds. This is a major plus compared to the Hiboy S2 and S2 Pro where you had to awkwardly press the button on the LED display multiple times to activate it while riding.

The drawback of the cruise control on the MAX, though, is that you cannot use the mechanical brake to stop it. Only the electronic brake can be used to cancel it. This isn’t a huge issue once you become accustomed to it, but if the cruise control automatically starts without you realizing and you try to stop, it can take you by surprise.

Mobile App

Another welcome addition to the MAX is the mobile app which pairs through Bluetooth. The app is available on both Android and IOS so is easily accessible for most riders.

The app gives a bit more of a breakdown of your riding statistics than what the LED dashboard provides. You can see your riding speeds, riding modes, cruise control settings (on/off), and battery level.

You can also change whether the scooter has a zero or kick-start.

Bell

The bell, on the left side of the handlebars, is a simple addition that fulfills its duty by giving pedestrians a heads up as you glide by.

Water-Resistance Rating

Thanks to the IP54 water-resistance rating, it is protected from both dust and water splashes from any angle.

I don’t advise riding in the rain, though. The solid rubber tires have almost no traction when used in wet conditions.

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

As with all Hiboy scooters, you are covered by a 12-month warranty covering scooter defects from the date of purchase. Hiboy only covers purchases when ordered directly from their website or any other authorized retailers.

Once a defective item has been replaced, the warranty remains for the same timeframe as the original defective item.

Post-Purchase Support

I’d love to be able to tell you that I have experienced excellent customer support from Hiboy but there have been times where I have waited for over a month for a reply.

To get in touch, you can email us.support@hiboy.com and make sure to include your scooter's serial number.