As cheap electric scooters flood the market, one model dominates Amazon sales: a $199 best-seller claiming 19+ mph speeds and a 21+ mile range. But does it deliver? We put this budget-favorite through rigorous real-world testing against the premium $449 VMAX VX5 Pro to uncover the truth, and see who is should buy the budget scooter, and which riders would end up regretting buying the generic Maxshot scooter.
Testing Methodology
Paul Somerville (former lead reviewer for Electric Scooter Guide and motorcycle racing champion) tested both scooters using-
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$500 data logger for speed verification
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Standardized ESG range test course
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10% grade hill climb (industry standard for steepness)
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Real-world handling assessment
Performance Face-Off: $199 Scooter vs. VMAX VX5 Pro
1. Top Speed Verification
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Amazon/Maxshot Scooter Claimed: 19-21 mph
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Actual: 18 mph max (firmware-limited, confirmed via wheel-lift test)
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VMAX VX5 Pro: 17 mph spec (data logger verified accurate)
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0-10 mph Acceleration:
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Amazon: 3.3 seconds
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VMAX: 2.1 seconds
2. Hill Climb Capability
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$199 Scooter:
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4.3 mph average speed
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31.7 seconds to climb
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Near tipping point at lowest speed of 3 mph
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VMAX VX5 Pro:
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8.4 mph average (2x faster)
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16.3 seconds to climb
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*For heavier riders (165+ lbs): VX2 Pro also recommended
3. Real-World Range
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Amazon/Maxshot Claimed: 21-28 miles
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Actual: 12.1 miles (45% below claim)
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VMAX Comparison:
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VX5 Pro GT: 19.7 miles
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VX5 Pro ST: ~15 miles
4. Ride Quality & Safety
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Critical flaws in the $199 scooter:
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Solid tires cause "eyes literally blurry" vibration
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Traction loss during normal cornering (near-crash video)
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Abrupt "on/off" regen brakes
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Unstable one-handed riding
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VMAX advantages:
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Variable regen braking (rare feature for smoothest regen)
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IPX6 water resistance vs. IPX4
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Tubeless tires for smoothest ride and best traction
5. Warranty & Repairability
$199 Scooter ("Maxshot" brand):
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No replacement parts available (broken brake lever totals scooter)
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1-year warranty but 180 days for unspecified "parts"
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Zero brand support: No website/phone, unresponsive email
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Practically speaking, 30-day return window may be it, for warranty
VMAX:
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Full parts availability from VMAX website
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2-year warranty
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USA-based Support
Who Should Buy the $199 Scooter?
Only consider if:
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You ride <12 miles/day on perfectly smooth pavement
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The budget is strictly ≤$200
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You don’t mind being on your own after 30 days (Amazon’s return window)
Tester’s verdict: "I can’t recommend any scooter with solid tires and no suspension. For me, the ride quality and lack of traction are unbearable."
Why the VMAX VX5 Pro Justifies $500
For daily riders who value safety and longevity:
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2x hill-climbing power (handles 165+ lb riders)
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40% more range
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Swiss engineering: Precision handling, smooth brakes, ergonomic design
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Actual warranty + parts support
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Superior safety: Half the braking distance, better traction
For long-term use, reputable brands like VMAX, Segway, Okai, Apollo, or NIU deliver better value.
The Unbiased Verdict
The $199 scooter works only as a disposable short-range solution on ideal terrain. Its vibration, traction risks, and zero repairability mean the risk is on you for regular use.
Invest in a quality scooter if you:
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Ride daily
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Encounter hills or wet conditions
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Weigh over 165 lbs
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Value comfort, good brakes and safe cornering in wet or dry conditions
Experience Swiss-engineered reliability:
Explore VMAX Scooters
All claims sourced from independent testing by Paul Somerville. Watch the full video [here].
