Zero 11X Review

Design

Handlebars

The Zero 11X’s handlebars measure up at a colossal 28 inches wide, with a curving, ergonomic shape that’s been custom-built to prioritize ride experience.

Similarly, its handgrips have been designed for comfort. Made from a traction-toting rubber, they boast a unique style, with a triangular portion missing from the center offering a more stable, supple experience on longer rides.

All too often, I see scooter manufacturers going cheap on the handlebars, with crappy grips – so it’s refreshing to see the Zero 11X bucking that trend. Its handlebars don’t fold, but this is unlikely to be an issue. At 131 lbs, the 11X is never going to be a portable number, and – when speeds of up to 60 mph are a possibility – I prefer there to be as few ‘moving parts’ as possible.

Attached to the handlebars you’ll find the buttons to control how many motors you want to engage, key-lock ignition, QS-S4 display, and two brake levers that need the lightest of touch to engage the powerful hydraulic discs.

Frame

While the 11X keeps faith with the red and black color scheme of the Zero line, the design of the frame itself shares more DNA with the likes of the Wolf King and VSETT 11+.

Sporting dual piston-like tubular stems, aggressive brake cable bunching, and a full 131 lbs of solid aluminum alloy, the Zero 11X projects an image to match the spectacular speed, strength, and specifications it’s capable of.

Don’t be fooled by the pictures, it is much larger in person. I like to call it the tank of the electric scooter world.

Deck

This thing is an absolute beast. It’s around a third larger than the Zero 10X – the model that came before it – so it’s no surprise that its deck is wide, long, and built like a dinner table.

The only problem is it’s not massively grippy. Rather than being slathered in a full coat of rubber (like the VSETT 11+), the 11X sports columns of grip tape on either side of the deck, leaving the middle bare. The deck houses a ginormous kickplate at the rear, though, that allows you to shift your body weight for more control.

Wheels

The plush-sized 11-inch tires are built not only to keep you on the road but give you a truly comfortable experience – even at breakneck speeds.

Plus, because they are tubeless, they give you an added layer of insulation from the vibrations caused by rugged urban terrain – such as potholes – or the stone-scattered, treacherous paths that await you in the forest or on hard-packed dirt trails. However, the tires are a lot firmer than the ones you’ll find on the 11X’s younger sibling, the 10X because of their tubeless design. There’s a benefit to this though, and this is that they are thicker and less susceptible to punctures.

Tread-wise, the 11X’s road-grade tires are well suited to concrete and asphalt roads, while the off-road pair are knobby numbers with a three-dimensional pattern that is perfect for maintaining traction on loose terrain.

It is worth noting, though, that because of their large profile and the stiffness of the steering column, the 11X isn’t as nimble as the majority of performance scooters that sport smaller 10 inch tires that are also thinner. This isn’t necessarily bad and helps to keep the scooter straight and stable while accelerating and hitting top speeds. It also forces you to ride in a way that isn’t too dissimilar to riding a motorcycle. To turn, you need to lean towards the direction that you want to go, as opposed to over-rotating the handlebars.

Build Quality & Durability

Build-wise, the Zero 11X isn’t only tank-like in size but also nature. While its beastly frame handles the wear and tear of everyday life, there are some areas for improvement.

Before we take a look at the bad, I’ll give you a rundown of the key components that make it good.

Firstly, there’s the kickplate. In the case of the 11X, it’s larger than normal and extends the length of the deck by about 5 inches. Without it, riding the 11X would be very difficult since the power thrumming through its frame requires you to position yourself in an aggressive stance leaning into the ride. Frustratingly, some scooters don’t have dedicated kickplates – only a fender (although these are typically made of plastic, and are too flimsy to put weight on). Thankfully, the Zero 11X has both – so you can feel confident at wind-whipping speeds not having to worry about mud and water splashing up and onto your freshly laundered clothes.

Secondly, there is zero stem wobble which inspires confidence while riding.

Thirdly, the battery – which is encased in the deck – is protected from collisions by two reinforced metal rods that run either side of it.

Now, it's time for the bad.

Like the rest of the models in the Zero line – there’s no formal water-resistance (IP) rating. This is somewhat sloppy work by Zero for two reasons. The first is that the 11X is an expensive scooter and for the price you pay you should absolutely have one. The second reason is that water-resistance ratings also house certifications for how well protected a scooter is against dust and considering the 11X has been built to tear up off-road routes where dirt and dust are likely to surround the deck – where the battery and electronic wiring resides – it’s fair to say this brings build quality down a notch.

The other let-down is the lack of a horn. All the alternatives I recommend come with 105dB motorcycle-grade horns. If you’re going to be traveling at the top 60 mph speed – which rivals traffic – a loud horn is a must.

Weight & Load

Weighing in at a sumo-sized 131 lbs, the Zero 11X comprehensively tips the scales. Bar the Dualtron X (and its evolution, the X II), the 11X is heavier than pretty much all the competition. Essentially, it wins the unwanted prize of boasting one of the heftiest bulks on the market – and by a pretty considerable margin, too.

Here’s how it compares to the competition:

In terms of load, it can support up to 330 lbs of rider weight, which is on a par with alternatives such as the VSETT 11+ and the NAMI Burn-e Viper. The only scooter in the 11X’s class capable of handling more poundage is the Wolf King’s 400 lb capacity. As it turns out, ‘King’ isn’t just its moniker – it also refers to this model’s status as the best load-bearing scooter in the industry.

Folding & Portability

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – the Zero 11X is not portable. It weighs 131 lbs, which makes it almost a full 90 lbs heavier than the maximum weight I recommend for commuters. One comment I found about the 11X that I think sums up it up quite nicely was:

“It’s not a last mile solution… it’s a full mile solution!”

Portability is out of the question. The Zero 11X does fold, though. At the base of the stem, you’ll find two collar clamps – one on each of the scooter’s thick stem tubes. On each clamp, there are two quick-release levers and on the opposite side are small, nut-shaped dials. To unfold the scooter, simply unfasten the levers, then gently twist the two dials until the whole mechanism feels loose. After that, you need to slide the mechanism up, revealing the creases along which the 11X collapses in on itself. From there, it’s just a matter of gently folding the stem down to a horizontal position, though I’d take care – this thing can be a little too heavy to handle.

The only frustrating part here is that, when folded, there’s no way of locking the scooter’s stem to its deck or kickplate which makes it even more difficult to carry. You can, however, grab onto the bar between the two headlights, and use your other hand to grasp the kickplate.

Assembly

The Zero 11X requires minimal assembly.

You have to attach the handlebars and tighten up the few nuts and bolts that hold the QS-S4, key-ignition, motor buttons, and brake levers in place.

Ride Quality

Is the Zero 11X Comfortable to Ride?

With large springs at the front and rear and huge tires, the Zero 11X delivers a fairly smooth ride. Although the springs are quite stiff and are ideal for fast-paced rides on urban terrain, they fall short of the shock-absorption qualities of similar scooters on rougher terrain. For example, the NAMI Burn-e’s hydraulic coil-shocks hog the plaudits when it comes to comfort. This is because they use a type of suspension that was originally a motocross invention and has been designed to deliver varying levels of comfort while traversing a variety of terrain. In brief, you can dial in the exact amount of damping you want with extreme ease.

You can also adjust the 11X’s rear spring to be more firm or soft, but this requires a tool called a c-spanner and even with the adjustments, it doesn’t come close to the level of comfort that the NAMI Burn-e, and even the Wolf King and VSETT 11+ can provide.

It’s also worth noting that because of its super-sized weight, the 11X carries a lot of momentum and although it has powerful hydraulic brakes, lighter models like those mentioned above deliver better results when it comes to stopping distance.

Shoutouts do need to go to its extremely wide, ergonomically shaped handlebars, behemoth deck, and kickplate, though – all of which help you to maintain control over its handling.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

The Zero 11X can hit top speeds of up to a pulse-quickening, blood-curdling, 60 mph – which is just about the fastest speed you’ll see on any electric scooter.

But how does the top speed compare to its closest equivalents?

Speed vs Price Comparison

Taking a price range of $1,500, with the Zero 11X’s $3,699.99 asking price in the middle, gives us 9 other models with which to compare the 11X to.

Unsurprisingly, it’s the Wolf King GT and Dualtron Ultra 2 that dominates the first place rankings with their 62 mph speed piping the Zero 11X to the mark. However, the Ultra 2 has been designed specifically to be an off-road savage. Taking into account how difficult it is to hit speeds of over 40 mph on notoriously unpredictable off-road terrain, I’ve always felt that the specs and power of this scooter are overkill. On the other hand, the King GT – and original King, for that matter – are terrain-agnostic meaning they are at home wherever you put them.

While the King GT takes the glory thanks to its versatile build and super-fast acceleration rate as a result of its whopping dual 2000W motors, its predecessor, the Wolf King, is still a top-rate scooter that delivers scorching speeds. The original King also costs $700 less than the Zero 11X which makes a desirable option.

Alternatively, if you want a ride that delivers a similar long-range to the 11X, as well as insane levels of torque, acceleration, and speed – the VSETT 11+ is a great option. It’s cheaper, retailing for $3,199, too. You may also be interested to know that the VSETT line is effectively the successor to the Zero range and as such, the VSETT 11+ was initially earmarked to be the Pro version of the 11X.

Speed vs Weight Comparison

Applying a weight range of 101 to 161 lbs (with the Zero 11X’s 131 lbs bulk at the center) gives us a list of 8 similar scooters. Typically, I keep these comparisons to a much smaller 10 lb range as opposed to 60 lbs. The reason why I’ve expanded this is because the Zero 11X is one of the heaviest electric scooters and if I was to keep the weight bracket small I’d only be able to compare it to one other scooter, the VSETT 11+. Since ultra-performance scooters are never going to be portable or easy to carry, it’s better to cast the net out wider to give you a greater view of which scooter is best.

Of the comparable models, the Zero 11X claims joint-third, tied with both the Wolf King and the NAMI Burn-e Viper. Unsurprisingly, the insane 68 mph top speed and impressive torque of the Dualtron X 2 make it the quickest mover in the 11X’s weight class – although its jumbo $6,490 price tag will likely prove too much for most riders.

With this in mind, its powerful sibling, the Dualtron Storm (62 mph), is a scooter you should seriously consider if you want to get your hands on a Dualtron model.

Ultimately though, I would choose either the NAMI Burn-e or Wolf King GT. Both scooters have superior build and ride quality, and are extremely powerful thanks to the 8400W peak output of their dual motors. This is larger than that of the Dualtron X II which has 8300W. The result? Brutal acceleration rates that, quite frankly, make the 11X look slow. But more on this in the ‘Acceleration’ section next.

Acceleration

The Zero 11X’s acceleration rate is a bit of a paradox. Because, despite sporting the bigger motors than the models that I recommend as alternatives, the 11X is the “slowest” of the bunch. That’s because acceleration isn’t solely dependent on motor size, but also on factors such as:

• The controllers that pull power to the motors
• The voltage of the motors
• The scooter’s total weight

Against this backdrop, the 11X’s hefty 131 lbs of weight is partly to blame here – particularly because it weighs more than all of its closest competitors. Here’s how its acceleration rate stacks up:

While the Zero 11X is the weakest accelerator of the bunch, 3.7 seconds to 25 mph certainly isn’t anything to be sniffed at – so you can see why I put “slow” in quotation marks above.

If you’re a self-confessed adrenaline junkie searching for a scooter with a blistering acceleration rate (and the features and other specs to boot) the NAMI Burn-e is your guy. It’ll hit 15 mph 32% faster than the Zero 11X, and is also 19% quicker to reach 25 mph. For those unwilling to meet the Burn-e’s $4,499 price point, the VSETT 11+ offers the next best overall package.

Range

The Zero 11X lays claim to a simply staggering range of up to 90 miles off a single charge – though, as always, how hard you’re pulling the throttle (and how much you weigh) will affect results in practice. Expect to hit 45-50 miles with both motors engaged.

So how much mileage are you getting for your money? And, are there better deals out there? Let’s dive a little deeper.

Mileage vs Price Comparison

When we again apply a $1,500 price range – leaving us with 9 of the models most analogous to the Zero 11X – the 11X comes out swinging, emerging at the summit of the rankings. The 11X’s Herculean 90 mile range is enough to just beat out the Dualtron Ultra 2 (87 miles) and the VSETT 11+ (85 miles). That said, I’m a fan of looking at things holistically, and – when we take a step back from the metric of mileage alone – the VSETT model stands out as the most preferable option in terms of its overall package.

Not only is it a whole lot cheaper than the 11X, but it also boasts a quicker acceleration rate, superior build quality, and advanced technology that regulates the power pulled to the motors to prevent overheating.

All of the above combines to help the VSETT 11+ deliver an excellent long-range riding experience.

Mileage vs Weight Comparison

Though the Zero 11X dominates our mileage rankings as far as price is concerned, it struggles a little when analyzed alongside the most comparable scooters in its weight class (101 to 161 lbs).

Of the 9 total models in this category, it’s the NAMI Burn-e Viper that slithers into pole position. The Viper’s 100 mile maximum range is 11% more than what the Zero 11X is capable of and even trumps the mileage capacity of the more expensive Dualtron X II.

If this statistic alone isn’t enough to convince you of the Burn-e’s superiority to the Zero 11X, one look at its suspension system should be. The Viper’s adjustable KKE hydraulic coil-over-shock suspension system is straight out of the world of motocross and has the advantage of being simple to adjust by hand. No tools are needed.

Because of its highly customizable shock absorption and features like its ergonomic thumb throttle, the Viper is the clear choice over the Zero 11X when it comes to ride comfort. Considering how important this factor is for enjoying long rides, the Viper is my top choice.

Hill Climbing

30 degrees – that’s the maximum incline rate the Zero 11X is capable of climbing.

Along with the rest of the scooters that I recommend as alternatives, the 11X is a certified hill-eating machine.

The only real insight I can offer here is that, if you want to fly up inclines with a little more pace than the 11X, then the NAMI Burn-e Viper – with its enormous 8400W peak power output – is the scooter for you.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

The Zero 11X sports long-travel swingarm suspension, courtesy of a pair of thick, high-quality coil springs catering to both the front and rear tires. The rear spring also happens to be adjustable, which can be useful if you plan on riding over rough terrain.

Durable and dependable, the large beefy tires are in charge of soaking up the initial impact caused by imperfections while the springs absorb the brunt of the vibrations.

However, as mentioned earlier, the springs aren’t the most dynamic. By comparison, the NAMI Burn-e gives you the ability to fine-tune the amount of damping you need, and other scooters like the Wolf King and VSETT 11+ have superior hydraulic fork suspension at the front, coupled with springs in the rear. Taking this into consideration, and the fact that the two latter models are cheaper than the 11X, the suspension system starts to seem average.

Braking

Anyone shelling out more than $2,500 on a scooter is entitled to expect a full-hydraulic braking system. Luckily, the 11X has one.

These are some of the finest types of brakes money can buy, so it’s no surprise that the vast majority of the scooters competing in the Zero 11X’s class of price and caliber also come equipped with dual hydraulic brakes. In fact, the only scooter in this category not to flaunt a hydraulic braking setup is the off-road-oriented Dualtron Ultra, which sports standard front and rear discs. Luckily, the Ultra’s successor – perhaps unimaginatively titled the Dualtron Ultra II – does have hydraulics.

Shifting the focus to the scooters I recommend as alternatives, the Burn-e Viper, VSETT 11+, and Wolf King all boast hydraulic braking systems with 160mm discs. That means that the braking performance of each of these is excellent, and renders them all safe, reliable options. That said, it’s worth pointing out that – since the heavier frames of the 11+ and 11X naturally lend them more momentum when in motion – the Burn-e and the Wolf King both tend to outperform these when it comes to stopping quickly.

For context, the Burn-e and Wolf King come to a stop from 15 mph in 3.0 meters – which we consider to be excellent.

Charge Time

The Zero 11X’s powerful 72V 32Ah Li-on LG battery was never going to go hand in hand with a rapid charge time. And so it proves because the scooter takes a whopping 20 hours to reach full charge.

That’s the bad news.

The good news, however, is that you can cut that time in half by purchasing a second charger for $62. Plugging them both in will have your 11X rejuvenated in around 10 hours.

That’s not astronomically fast, but you can take solace in the fact that the scooter’s impressive 90 mile range means that you shouldn’t have to be charging it too often.

Extra Features

QS-S4 Throttle Display for Customized Performance Configuration

Despite the Zero 11X boasting the same top-tier specs and capabilities as the upper echelons of the Dualtron range, you won’t see MiniMotors’ famed EY3 display atop the handlebars. Instead, the 11X relies on the more basic – yet still intuitive – QS-S4.

This device serves as both a finger throttle and LCD screen, from which you can keep tabs on your 11X’s:

• Current speed
• Total ride time (odometer)
• The ride time of your current trip
• Battery life
• Riding mode

From the QS-S4’s screen, you can customize its range of more advanced capabilities. These are called ‘P-settings’, and – in addition to enabling you to adjust your max output and torque – allow you to leverage the full spectrum of the 11X’s features, such as:

• Cruise control
• Auto turn-off
• Display brightness
• Regenerative braking strengthc

There’s even a USB port hidden away behind the screen, which (as a last resort) can be used to charge your devices. I wouldn’t recommend this, though – it’ll take its toll on your scooter’s remaining battery life, and potentially do damage to the electrical circuits within the QS-S4 itself.

Motor & Turbo Control Buttons

Fastened to the left of the handlebars is a pair of buttons – one marked ‘Eco/Tubo’, and the other ‘Single/Dual’.

The first of these controls your top speed and acceleration strength. Intuitively, ‘Eco’ helps preserve the health and longevity of your battery by capping your top speed, and limiting the amount of torque available. Riding in ‘Eco’ mode will afford you longer rides, and a higher chance of hitting the astounding 90 miles of maximum range.

The second of these buttons, predictably, refers to the dual motors and enables you to toggle between the use of both of them, or just the rear hub. As is the case with the Eco mode, engaging just one motor will extend the range while using both will unleash the full force of its 60 mph speed and asphalt-scorching acceleration rate.

As a rule, don’t ever switch to single motor mode when riding fast because it will forcibly eject you off the scooter as well as destroy the rear motor. Instead, keep the scooter in dual motor mode to slow down, and then when you are riding below 20 mph, you can safely switch to just the rear motor.

Battery Voltage Display

While the QS-S4 is a super versatile addition to the scooter, it doesn’t always offer the most accurate readings when it comes to understanding how much battery life your scooter has left.

But that’s what the battery voltage display is for.

Located to the left of the QS-S4, this small screen uses nixie tubes to visualize your scooter’s remaining voltage. Though this may seem like a throwaway feature, it’s a crucial one. I recommend getting to grips with how the voltage figures translate into battery percentage so you can take full advantage of it.

Key-Start Ignition (Anti-Theft Function)

While some of the Zero 11X’s competitors rely on digital passcodes (the NAMI Burn-e) and NFC card readers (the VSETT 11+), the 11X sticks to the basics with a retro key-ignition.

While it's not the most advanced anti-theft mechanism it’ll at least give you some reassurance to deter sticky fingers. Remember, this scooter weighs a massive 131 lbs so it’s unlikely anyone will be picking it up and walking off with it.

Cruise Control

All QS-S4 displays come equipped with a built-in cruise control feature as standard. To toggle it on or off, simply head to setting P6 on the screen, and change the ‘0’ to ‘1’.

Enabling this feature will allow you to maintain a constant speed when you’re out on the road – without having to risk hand cramps by keeping the finger throttle pulled down the whole time. Once you’ve finished cruising, you can revert to manual control over your scooter by lightly squeezing the brakes.

Adjustable Suspension

The Zero 11X’s rear coil spring is adjustable. Just above the spring at the back of the scooter, you’ll find a small, wheel-like dial. You can tighten or loosen this to provide less or more give.

You need a c-spanner to adjust it.

Bright Dual Headlights and a Quartet of Taillights

The 11X keeps its LED setup fairly simple, consisting of two bright headlights, accompanied by a quartet of responsive rear tail lights.

There’s not a huge amount of the swagger as we saw with earlier models in the Zero series – such as the 9 and 10, which sport deck and stem-embedded strips of LED mood lighting – but that’s not a deal-breaker.

Essentially, the 11X swaps the style of the range’s earlier models for substance, flaunting super-bright headlights, and taillights that flash when you apply the brakes. You’ll have no issues seeing (and being seen) at night. Unlike the majority of other scooters, you won’t have to shell out for an extra headlight.

Warranty & Post-Purchase Support

Warranty

REV Rides – the 11X’s only authorized distributor in the U.S. – offers a 12-month warranty. REV Rides also stocks all parts and accessories should you need to make any adjustments to your scooter.

Pretty much all of the 11X’s top competitors (the VSETT 11+, also sold by REV Rides, Voro Motors’s Wolf King, and the FluidFreeRide-distributed NAMI Burn-e Viper) also offer one-year warranties as standard – so there’s nothing to worry about here. However, I always recommend taking note of the inevitable small print, which indicates what the warranty won’t cover:

• Wear and tear, or damage resulting from abuse, neglect, or lack of maintenance
• Anything caused by unauthorized modifications you may have made to the scooter
• Environmental damage, such as rain, sea breeze, fire, and the like
• Issues that are the direct result of an accident or collision

Should you want a longer warranty than the single year on offer, you can utilize the services of Extend, a third-party product protection company. Through them, you can prolong your Zero 11X’s warranty by between one and three years – though it’s liable to cost up to $1,000 for the lengthiest extension.

Post-Purchase Support

Should you encounter any issues, you can give REV Rides a call on 1-360-888-7433. They’re around weekdays between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm PST. Alternatively, you can submit a support request through an online form on the company’s website, or get in touch via email at contactus@revrides.com.

REV Rides maintains a presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, too – though I wouldn’t recommend any of these platforms as the most direct or quickest routes to obtaining help with your Zero 11X. For common queries related to routine maintenance or getting to grips with the Zero 11X’s features – such as changing the tires or tubes, folding the handlebars, or learning the ropes of the QS-S4 display – REV Rides’ YouTube channel is a great place to start.