VMAX VX4 Review

Cockpit

At 23 inches (based on my measurements), the handlebars strike the perfect width for ensuring control and balance when “Beast Mode” is activated (more on that shortly).

On the left, there’s a button pad to control your settings, turn signals, and riding modes. While it’s well positioned, it would benefit from a more responsive design – with gloves on it was hard to tell if I had pressed the turn signal or riding mode button. I had to check the display for confirmation icons each time (i.e. flashing arrows for the turn signals).

I have no gripes with the TFT display, though. Measuring just shy of 4 inches and sporting a colorful design, it remains bright and visible even under direct sunlight. This is a major improvement on the washed-out displays found on both the VX2 Pro and VX5 Pro.

Another unique feature found in the cockpit is its USB port. Located underneath the button console, you can use it to charge your devices on the go. However, I soon realized that to use it, you have to turn the scooter off, plug your charging cable in, and then turn the scooter back on. If you try to plug the cable in while the scooter is on, it doesn’t work.

A word must also go to the throttle and handgrips. Ergonomically designed, the thumb throttle is smooth to operate and doesn’t stick. It also regulates the flow of power smoothly for a controlled riding experience. The handgrips, meanwhile, are extremely tactile, with a stippled top half and cross-hatched underside.

Frame

The most striking aspect of the VX4’s frame is its flawless cable management. With no overhanging wires or obstructions, it achieves a clean and simple silhouette.

Add to this its wobble-free stem, well-crafted geometry, and durable aluminum build, and it’s easy to see its Swiss-infused style – even the box and packaging were well-designed.

I also can’t forget to mention its IPX6 water-resistance rating. This is among the highest of all the scooters that I’ve tested, equipping it with a high degree of protection against inclement weather. It’ll even withstand high-pressure water jets, though I don’t recommend using a jet to clean it.

With one section of the frame flowing into the next, VMAX’s attention to detail and eagerness to develop proprietary scooters has been well achieved. This becomes even more evident when compared to rivals like the Fluid Vista which, for all of its many qualities, has an under-weighted stem and short deck. Together, these hinder its handling, making it a little skittish at speed, while the extremely responsive throttle makes you rock back and forth as you try to maintain a consistent pace. With the VX4, every area of its design is balanced, resulting in a superior riding experience.

Deck

Whichever way you assess the usable space on the deck, it offers ample room. Measuring where the neck of the scooter meets the deck, there are 18.9 inches of usable space in length. On the other hand, if you count the space on either side of the neck, it measures 21.9 inches.

Altogether, this translates into a platform that affords comfort. Whether you like to ride with your feet in an L-shaped position, side-by-side, or staggered, it can accommodate you.

Plus, with the 3.9-inch kickplate sitting at a 31-degree angle, you can lean into the ride for enhanced control at speed. It’s slathered in rubber for grip, so you can be sure of your feet remaining planted.

The 6.1 inches of ground clearance keeps the deck high enough to reduce the risk of damage when navigating curbs, too.

Tires

What’s not to love about the tires? Their hybrid tread and rounded front-on profile contribute to a nimble and comfortable ride, inviting comparisons to similar all-terrain tires sported by the likes of the Varla Eagle One V2, Mantis King GT, and Fluid Vista.

Along with its suspension, this makes the VX4 notably versatile – I rode it across both streets and dirt tracks, with no discernible drop-off in performance.

The tires are tubeless, too, making them far more durable than their inner-tube counterparts.

One improvement would be to make them self-healing, but you can do this yourself by applying Doctor Orange tire sealant.

Portability

Weighing 63.9 lbs, it isn’t exactly light, and while it comes with a folding mechanism, there’s room for improvement.

The folding lever is slick and easy to operate, but the same can’t be said for how the latch on the back of the handlebars hooks to the kickplate. It’s difficult to connect the two, and they have a habit of becoming unhooked, making the scooter cumbersome to maneuver when folded.

You have to awkwardly push the kickplate hook up and hold it there, while simultaneously aligning the handlebar latch with it.

Then, to keep them connected, you need to maintain upward pressure on the folded stem to ensure everything is locked into place – if not, you can’t lift it. As soon as you put the scooter down and let go of the stem, it unhooks, leaving the handlebars unsecured and resting on the kickplate.

Load

With a load-bearing capacity of 330 lbs, the VX4 is one of the few single-motor electric scooters that I recommend for heavy riders.

Now, it is important to note that this is a maximum. Based on my tests, it performed admirably under my 197 lb weight. Given the strength of its motor and the size of its battery, I believe that it’ll be a good choice for anyone who weighs up to 250 lbs.

Lights

Leading the charge of the light brigade is a high-mounted headlight that offers ample illumination for safe rides.

The stars of the show, however, are the turn signals. Built into the ends of the handlebars and the back of the kickplate, they serve up excellent visibility. However, as mentioned, the buttons to activate them aren’t as responsive as I would’ve liked. The rocker switch on the VX2 Pro and VX5 Pro works better.

Now, in my reviews of Apollo’s scooters – including the Air, Go, City, and Pro – I mentioned that the plastic caps on the end of their handlebar-integrated turn signals crack and smash easily. Well, I’m pleased to report that there are no such concerns here; VMAX’s design is superior. They’re completely smash-proof – even if you drop the scooter. This is all thanks to the rubber endcaps that wrap around the plastic of the turn signals.

Then there's the fender-embedded taillight. I have no quibbles with its brightness at night, though it would be nice if it flashed when the brakes were applied – instead, it glows a brighter red.

Mobile App

The mobile app is pretty basic, but nice to have nevertheless. Via it, you can use Google Maps for navigation, monitor key stats, and change the units of measurement (metric or imperial).

Unfortunately, you can’t adjust any of the performance settings. For this, you need to do it via the p-settings on the display.

Interestingly, the app isn’t as advanced as the one used by the cheaper VX2 Pro and VX5 Pro.

Build Quality

VMAX is a Swiss brand that’s not only been honing its craft since 2015 but also owns the manufacturing facility where all of its scooters are designed and built.

Add to this the fact that their scooters are UL-certified – meaning they meet local and federal safety regulations – and these details give you a flavor of the build quality on offer. Put simply, it’s excellent.

Against the backdrop of its most fierce rivals – including the EMOVE Cruiser S, Fluid Vista, and Apollo City Pro – its build is more refined than the two former models, and similar to the latter – albeit less premium.

The leader of the pack is the Mantis V2 with its dual 60V 1000W motors, peak power output of 3000W, and 37.3 mph tested top speed.

Ultimately, if speed per dollar is at the top of your priority list there are better options than the VX4.

Top Speed vs Price (Single Motor Models)

Shifting the focus to single-motor models, the picture doesn’t change all that much. The VX4 GT remains lower down in the rankings, with the EMOVE Cruiser S taking the gold. Again, this is expected given that it has a larger and more powerful 52V 1000W motor.