TurboAnt X7 Max Review

The “under $600” class of electric scooters is tricky to navigate for someone new to the micro EV space because there are a lot of garbage scooters out there. They claim all sorts of specs and numbers, promising high quality, low maintenance scooters while delivering the exact opposite.

In an online sea of cheap imitators and low-quality electric scooters that promise more than they deliver, the TurboAnt X7 Max stands out for its durable build, impressive specs, and unique additional features.

The under-$600 range of scooters usually doesn’t offer much in the way of ride quality, but the X7 Max’s comfortable 10-inch pneumatic tires and high 5.3-inch deck clearance provide a comfortable ride.

A lockable, swappable battery lock makes the X7 one of the most convenient budget scooters: it’s always ready for a quick trip, and if you purchase a spare battery pack ($220 extra), you can always have a extra full fuel tank on hand for longer hauls.

TurboAnt has been making reliable, portable electric scooters for some time now, with models like the M10 standing out from the pack for features like 10-inch pneumatic tires.

You’ll find the same 10-inch air-filled tires on the X7 Max and a lot more for a price that doesn’t ask too much of first-time scooter buyers just getting started.

Although great for beginners, the X7 Max is also a scooter more experienced riders will enjoy riding.

Our Take: Serious Quality and Value for Under $600

Is it Good for Bigger, Heavier Riders?

Yes, the TurboAnt X7 Max is good for big-dawgs.

With its 275-lb weight limit, large 10-inch pneumatic tires, and high ground clearance, the X7 Max carries heavy riders with relative ease.

Extra weight will make the scooter struggle even more on already slow hill climbs, however, and riders might need to kick frequently to get it to advance up a particularly long or steep incline.

The X7 Max gets to 15 miles an hour in just over 7 seconds meaning that it’s approachable for any level of rider but will still be fun for someone getting their first scooter. It is zero-start meaning you don’t have to kick off before accelerating which is less common on budget scooters and a very welcome feature.

Top Speed

The X7 Max is a bit faster than its competitors with an ESG-tested top speed of 18.4 miles per hour. In the under-$600 price range, only the Gotrax G4 and Hiboy S2 are faster, with top speeds of 20 and 19 mph, respectively. The S2, however, has significantly worse ride quality than the TurboAnt.

Hill Climb

As with any single motor, budget scooter, the X7 Max struggles with hills. The X7 Max crawled up our 10% grade, 200 foot test hill in 23.6 seconds, averaging 5.7 miles per hour.

Range and Battery

The X7 Max’s battery is attached to the stem and is removable, with a key lock to keep it secure. In our range test, the 360 watt-hour battery gave us an impressive 18 miles of range with an average speed of just under 15 miles an hour. 

The removable battery means that doubling your range is as simple as carrying a second, lightweight battery with you. The extra batteries are 220 dollars, which is cheaper than many other swappable scooter batteries and a reasonable option if you plan on doing long distance rides.

Braking

The brakes are made up of a rear mechanical disc brake and front electronic braking and are plenty to bring the scooter to a stop in a reasonable distance. The X7 Max stops from 15 miles an hour in 14.7 feet.

Ride Quality

The larger 10 inch pneumatic tires and 5 inch deck clearance make it feel like it is riding comfortably above the pavement, rather than getting hung up on every bump and pothole.

Pneumatic tires are an upgrade in ride comfort over the solid tires that many budget scooters choose to use. However, keep in mind that this scooter has solid rims, meaning that changing a punctured innertube would be a huge hassle. Also be sure to keep your tire pressure high to avoid pinch flats.

The generous 20.5 inch riding platform length makes it comfortable to position your feet a few different ways without feeling scrunched up, and the scooter’s unique tapered design gives you a bit more platform width for your back foot allowing you to vary your riding position.

TurboAnt X7 Max Features

Portability

At 34.6 pounds, the X7 Max could be considered a bit on the heavier side for its class, but is still plenty light to carry for longer periods of time, like climbing up multiple flights of stairs.

The removable battery can also help with weight, allowing you to detach and carry the battery in your backpack rather than on the scooter. 

Folding and unfolding is a quick and easy process from unlatching the stem to locking the handlebars down for carrying.

The deck latch is a simple slot in the fender plus stem hook so there is no actual latch securing handlebars. Our reviewer Mitchell had no issues with it unfolding while carrying as long as he didn’t move the scooter around in awkward ways.

Cockpit

The X7 Max gives you a basic center display that shows the current speed, battery level and riding mode.

There are 3 riding modes, Eco, Standard, and Sport. Eco caps your speed at 6 miles an hour for the absolutely maximum range possible, Standard caps speed at 9 miles an hour, and Sport is the uncapped top speed mode.

Switching between modes and turning the scooter on and off is all done from the buttons located on the throttle.

Lights

The X7 Max includes a high-mounted front headlight for a bit of help getting home in the dark, but be sure to grab an extra headlight if you plan to be riding often at night.

The rear tail light illuminates when the headlight is on for a bit of extra visibility and flashes when you are braking to alert the people behind you.

Tires

The X7 Max has 10-inch air filled tires to cushion the ride. Pneumatic tires are an upgrade in ride comfort over the solid tires that many budget scooters choose to use. However, keep in mind that this scooter has solid rims, meaning that changing a punctured inner tube would be a huge hassle. Also be sure to keep your tire pressure high to avoid pinch flats.

Deck

A generous 20.5 inch riding platform length makes it comfortable to position your feet a few different ways without feeling scrunched up. The unique tapered design gives you a bit more platform width for your back foot allowing you to vary your riding position.

Build Quality

The X7 Max’s handlebar height from the deck is above average at 41 inches so even taller riders can comfortably reach the handlebars without hunching over.

The stem lock is a fully metal design and secures the stem in place solidly. The overall geometry and build quality is great, inspiring confidence and control.

The thumb throttle is nice and wide with a soft-touch cover that makes it comfortable to use for longer periods.

The handlebars are narrower than we would have liked to see, but this can be partially justified since it improves portability and storability.

Wider handlebars would make controlling the scooter easier, but at the speeds this scooter travels, it is less of an issue.

Unique features like a locking, swappable battery mounted on the stem really set the TurboAnt X7 Max apart from its competition.

Safety

The X7 Max has standard safety features like front and rear lighting and a brake light to let those behind you know you’re slowing down or stopping. These lights are not sufficient, however, for night rides, as mentioned, or even low visibility conditions like fog or rain.

In low light conditions, you should definitely add aftermarket lights and helmet lighting to make sure drivers can see you.

Warranty 

TurboAnt warranties structural parts and the display and cables for 12 months, with a six month warranty on the battery and charger, controller and motor, and headlight and tail light.

They also offer lifetime technical support and have a 30-day return policy on all scooters.

TurboAnt X7 Max Review Conclusion

So is the Turboant X7 Max for you? For those looking for an everyday commuter or last mile scooter for a mostly flat ride then this feels like the perfect option. The extremely affordable price means that getting a quality first scooter doesn’t have to be a huge commitment.

The removable battery makes charging and extending your range easy and the lightweight construction means that carrying this around or getting it into a car, bus, or train is no sweat.