Xiaomi Scooter 5 Max test - what is its maximum?

So far, I've tested those classic 250-W and 500-W electric scooters. The city guys that you shouldn't take off-road because you won't get far. But then I've repeatedly gotten behind the wheel of 1000-W and higher-wattage scooters (even up to 2400 W), which can already jump over roots and race on dirt roads.

The Xiaomi Scooter 5 Max falls into that higher category with a 1000-W motor (rated power is 400 W), but of course with a speed limit of 25 km/h, as stated by Slovenian law. I believe that soon someone will figure out how to bypass this limitation, as the motor is definitely capable of higher speeds.

In many details, it is similar to the Xiaomi Scooter 4 Ultra and 4 Pro (2nd generation), the latter being almost its twin, although cheaper.

The Xiaomi Scooter 5 Max has been a faithful companion for the past week in everyday life. I tested it everywhere, even on more forested paths, although not on the roughest ones, but more on that later.

Xiaomi Scooter 5 Max price and specifications

• Xiaomi Scooter 5 Max: €799

Until May 31st, you can redeem the promotional code EKO80 for an €80 discount.

Xiaomi Scooter 5 Max – a purely classic scooter with the Xiaomi emblem

Classic in the sense that it's still a scooter and not a moped, like the Kukirin G3 Pro, which is sold as an e-scooter, but when you start controlling 2400 W with the throttle, we can't really talk about a scooter anymore. Not only the power, although it's still above average, but also the user experience and design follow the established pattern. They've spiced it up with orange-red finishes on the sides and on the cables. Just enough so that there's still something graphically going on with the scooter. That they didn't just take a black spray can and start painting it.

The handlebars are just high enough for my height (180 cm) so that I am not hunched over while riding and that my hands are in a high enough position so that I have enough time to react if I accidentally have an accident. There is a screen on the handlebars through which you can change riding modes (walking assistance, standard up to 20 km/h and sports up to 25 km/h) and turn on the headlight. You can do the same in the Xiaomi Home app, where you have other riding data and the option to turn on more advanced functions, such as a parking brake if you park the scooter on a slope, regenerative braking to recover some energy when riding downhill, and locking the scooter. In addition to the screen, there is also a bell.

The frame is made of durable carbon steel, which supports a load capacity of up to 120 kg, which is already established for such scooters. The construction works very reliably, and the first installation only requires screwing in four screws. The scooter can be folded. On the handlebars you will see a pin (it serves as a holder for a bag or a small backpack while riding), which you hook onto the rear wheel.

There's no shortage of space on the stand, and on the side you'll notice a footrest, reflectors, and turn signals that also beep when turned on, so you don't forget to turn them off. The front headlight turns on automatically, but you can also turn it on manually.

I like that they didn't skimp on the suspension, which is the second most important component next to the engine. As long as you're on asphalt, the ride is very comfortable, which is not surprising, since it has hydraulics at the front and a coil spring at the rear. There are no problems on a light gravel road either. When bigger holes appear, you start to feel vibrations in your ears. Is it really annoying? No, because you usually don't ride on such a road for very long. However, I've already gotten better results from similar suspension.

The 10-inch wheels work reliably in most conditions. The grip is good, and they have an anti-slip system for wet roads that has been proven to work well. Just be careful if you do come across a gravel road in the middle of the macadam, especially if you hit it at full speed, you will struggle to balance.

You will easily overcome smaller slopes or those that gradually rise. However, you will either not be able to overcome steeper ones at all or you will be recording 7 km/h on the screen at the top and struggling to balance.

Also, be careful of the low center of gravity of the stand and the scooter. At higher curbs, the rear end may rub against the asphalt.

Another word about the range. Officially, the battery lasts up to 60 km. At 90 kg and an average speed of over 20 km/h, I achieved around 40 km, which is just fine. Considering that my purpose for this scooter would be to ride a few kilometers to work and back, the battery would be enough for me for a whole week in most cases. For longer excursions, however, I would be very careful and gentle with the throttle.

Xiaomi Scooter Max 5 is a good scooter

With a 1000-W motor, you'll be faster than anyone in city rush hour and, as long as the asphalt holds up, you'll also be riding more comfortably. If you want to turn onto Rožnik in between, the slight incline won't be a big problem. And the battery won't be a concern in that case either.

The city and suburbs are its comfort zone, where you won't find any obstacles it can't overcome. But on the roads, as I said, comfort drops and the bike has to work hard to get you to the top of the hill.

That's the only major concern. Except that it's so similar to the Xiaomi 4 Pro (2nd generation) scooter, which is €200 cheaper. The only problem is that it's harder to find on sale.