The X7 Max sets itself apart with a convenient lockable quick-swap battery and solid overall performance, but takes a hit on ride quality from the very same feature.
Our review score is based on thorough real-world testing and is always held up against comparable models.
How We TestValues marked with '*' are based on our independent testing and may differ from those specified by the manufacturer.
The X7 Max is the latest offering in TurboAnt's lineup. Across 200 miles, I took this electric scooter through my data-driven test process, benchmarking its performance, ride quality, and durability.
In this hands-on review, I'll share all my exclusive findings and hold them up against popular competitors.
Before going in-depth, let's look at my performance results and key specifications.
Top speed | 19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) |
Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 8.29 seconds Best: 6.78 seconds |
Hill climb 250ft @8% | 26.3 s (Avg Speed: 6.5 MPH) |
Range (speed priority) | 13.4 miles (21.6 km) |
Range (regular) | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) |
Range (range priority) | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) |
Braking distance 15 MPH - 0 MPH | 15.2 ft (4.63 m) |
Motor Power | 36V, 350W front hub motor |
Battery | 36V, 160Ah = 360 Wh) |
Weight | 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg) |
Max Load | 275 lbs (124.7 kg) |
Tires | 10" tubed tires |
Brakes | Rear disc, electronic regen |
Suspension | None |
Weather Resistance | IPX4 |
The TurboAnt X7 has a solid top speed, but acceleration falls short of several competitors.
The X7 Max boasts a 36V, 350W front-wheel hub motor. TurboAnt advertises a top speed of 20 MPH (32.2 KMH).
The scooter has three ride modes (Eco, Comfort, and Sport) that allow you to dial the performance to your preference.
A nice feature of the X7 is cruise control. Cruise control can be toggled in settings and is activated by maintaining a constant speed (above 3.7 MPH) for six seconds. To exit, either press the throttle or brake lever.
I really like that you can also toggle between zero-start and kick-start in the settings. This offers peace of mind to newer riders while allowing seasoned riders to accelerate from a standstill.
As a 175 lbs (79 kg) rider, I put the top speed claim to the test. I reached a GPS-verified top speed of 19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) on a smooth, level road.
The speed claim pretty much holds. If you're lighter than me, you should be able to reach 20 MPH.
Model | Top Speed | $/Speed |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max $429.98 USD | 19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) | $21.99/MPH |
NIU KQi2 Pro $486.98 USD | 17.3 MPH (27.8 KMH) | $28.15/MPH |
fluid CityRider $399 USD | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) | $22.29/MPH |
TurboAnt V8 $549.98 USD | 19.41 MPH (31.2 KMH) | $28.33/MPH |
Atomi Alpha $329 USD | 20.8 MPH (33.5 KMH) | $15.82/MPH |
Hiboy S2 $389.99 USD | 18.9 MPH (30.4 KMH) | $20.63/MPH |
Comparing the top speed to alternatives, it is clear that the TurboAnt X7 Max is competitive.
It beats popular models like the fluid CityRider, NIU KQi2 Pro, and TurboAnt V8, both on top speed and price relative to speed.
The Atomi Alpha edges it out with a slightly higher top speed, but I didn't feel a notable difference when riding the two. Also, the X7 Max is a better value proposition regarding speed than the Alpha.
The Hiboy S2 offers the most speed at its price, but it comes with a rougher ride and substandard build quality.
Next, I benchmarked the acceleration in zero-start mode, kicking off in Sport mode.
Interval | Average | Best |
---|---|---|
0-15 MPH (24 KMH) | 8.29 s | 6.78 s |
0-19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) | 14.3 s | 14.07 s |
I averaged 0-15 MPH in 8.24 seconds, and the top speed reached 14.3 seconds.
I was slightly disappointed in the acceleration, given that the scooter is front-wheel driven. While testing, it often left me wishing for a bit more torque. That said, it could be a good fit for those seeking a less powerful, manageable ride.
Model | 0-15 MPH | 0-20 MPH |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 8.29 s | - |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 8.83 s | - |
fluid CityRider | 8.24 s | - |
TurboAnt V8 | 8.51 s | - |
Atomi Alpha | 6.71 s | 11.82 s |
Hiboy S2 | 6.89 s | - |
Holding these results up against its peers, the X7 Max is one of the lower performers, beaten by the Atomi Alpha and Hiboy S2. However, it still beats the V8 and KQi2 Pro by a hair.
TurboAnt advertises a maximum hill grade of 15%. I tested the X7 Max on a 250 ft (76 m) hill with an average grade of 8%. I completed the test in 26.3 seconds with an average speed of 6.5 MPH (10.4 KMH).
Based on my calculations, I would max out at 12-13% inclines, whereas lighter riders may be able to reach the advertised grade.
Model | Time | Speed |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 26.3 s | 6.5 MPH (10.4 KMH) |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 30.48 s | 5.6 MPH (9 KMH) |
fluid CityRider | 30.1 s | 5.7 MPH (9.1 KMH) |
TurboAnt V8 | 29.2 s | 5.8 MPH (9.4 KMH) |
Atomi Alpha | 25.3 s | 6.7 MPH (10.8 KMH) |
Hiboy S2 | 26.7 s | 6.4 MPH (10.3 KMH) |
Looking at all of the results, the X7 Max looks a bit better. This is likely because the motor is placed in the front wheel. It still loses out slightly to the Atomi Alpha but isn't far behind.
The TurboAnt X7 Max offers good speed at its price, but the acceleration isn't impressive. It handles hills okay, but riders over 220 lbs (100 kg) will struggle to use it for commutes with inclines.
Almost all scooters under $600 struggle with steep hills. If you're above 220 lbs or plan to ride in hilly areas, I strongly recommend saving up more money and looking into slightly more powerful alternatives such as the KQi3 Pro, KQi3 Max, or Segway Max G2.
The TurboAnt X7 Max has good real-world range and sets itself apart from the competition with a lockable detachable battery.
This beginner-friendly electric scooter has a stem-mounted 36V, 10Ah battery with an effective capacity of 360 Wh. TurboAnt advertises a 32 miles (51.5 km) maximum range per charge.
Model | Battery Capacity | $/Wh |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max ($429.98 USD) | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) | $1.19/Wh |
NIU KQi2 Pro ($486.98 USD) | 365 Wh (48V, 7.6Ah) | $1.33/Wh |
fluid CityRider ($399.00 USD) | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) | $1.11/Wh |
TurboAnt V8 ($549.98 USD) | 540 Wh (36V, 15Ah) | $1.02/Wh |
Atomi Alpha ($329.00 USD) | 360 Wh (36V, 10Ah) | $0.91/Wh |
Hiboy S2 ($389.99 USD) | 270 Wh (36V, 7.5Ah) | $1.44/Wh |
The battery pack on the TurboAnt X7 Max has the same capacity as the CityRider and Atomi Alpha. The S2 has 28% less, while the V8 has 40% more.
In terms of value relative to battery capacity, the X7 Max is one of the best options out there.
Battery capacity is a solid range indicator, but real-world tests show the true performance.
I ran three range tests on the TurboAnt X7 Max. Each test was conducted at a different speed to understand how it performs under different motor loads. Every test was conducted in Sport mode.
Test (#) | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
#1: Speed Priority | 13.4 miles 21.6 km | 17.9 MPH 28.8 KMH |
#2: Regular | 15.4 miles 24.8 km | 14.8 MPH 23.8 KMH |
#3: Range Priority | 18.2 miles 29.3 km | 12.5 MPH 20.1 KMH |
In the first test, I rode as fast as possible throughout. At an average speed of 17.9 MPH, I got 13.4 miles of range.
In the second test, I rode like I would normally do in an urban environment and got 15.4 miles of range. This is also the most accurate real-world comparison.
In the third test, I prioritized maximizing range. Holding an average speed of 12.5 MPH, I got 18.2 miles of range.
Let's hold the results up against the same tests conducted on the competitors.
Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 13.4 miles (21.6 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 17.2 miles (27.7 km) | 16.4 MPH (26.4 KMH) |
fluid CityRider | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) | 15.8 MPH (25.4 KMH) |
TurboAnt V8 | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 17.8 MPH (28.6 KMH) |
Atomi Alpha | 16.3 miles (26.2 km) | 17.9 MPH (28.8 KMH) |
Hiboy S2 | 9.4 miles (15.1 km) | 17.1 MPH (27.5 KMH) |
The TurboAnt V8 beats the pack with its notably larger capacity in test #1. It offers about 5.5 miles more than the X7 at pace but is a much heavier option.
Both the CityRider and KQi2 Pro outperform the X7 Max, but its numbers are still respectable considering it held a higher average speed.
Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) | 14.8 MPH (23.8 KMH) |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 19.8 miles (31.9 km) | 14.9 MPH (24 KMH) |
fluid CityRider | 16.9 miles (27.2 km) | 14.3 MPH (23 KMH) |
TurboAnt V8 | 21.3 miles (34.3 km) | 15.1 MPH (24.3 KMH) |
Atomi Alpha | 18.9 miles (30.4 km) | 15 MPH (24.1 KMH) |
Hiboy S2 | 11.4 miles (18.3 km) | 14.3 MPH (23 KMH) |
The picture remains the same in the regular test.
Model | Range | Avg. Speed |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) | 12.5 MPH (20.1 KMH) |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 22.3 miles (35.9 km) | 12.7 MPH (20.4 KMH) |
fluid CityRider | 18.8 miles (30.3 km) | 11.8 MPH (19 KMH) |
TurboAnt V8 | 25.4 miles (40.9 km) | 12.6 MPH (20.3 KMH) |
Atomi Alpha | 21.2 miles (34.1 km) | 12.9 MPH (20.8 KMH) |
Hiboy S2 | 13.2 miles (21.2 km) | 12.1 MPH (19.5 KMH) |
Interestingly, the X7 Max edges closer to the KQi2 Pro and CityRider in the last test. This suggests the X7 Max performs when you're not pushing it to the limit.
Model | Range | Weight | Ratio |
---|---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.4 miles | 34.2 lbs | 0.45 miles/lb |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 19.8 miles | 40.6 lbs | 0.49 miles/lb |
fluid CityRider | 16.9 miles | 31 lbs | 0.55 miles/lb |
TurboAnt V8 | 21.3 miles | 47.6 lbs | 0.45 miles/lb |
Atomi Alpha | 18.9 miles | 36.8 lbs | 0.51 miles/lb |
Hiboy S2 | 11.4 miles | 31.9 lbs | 0.36 miles/lb |
In terms of real-world range relative to weight, the TurboAnt X7 Max offers around 0.45 miles per pound. While not quite as good as the CityRider or KQi2 Pro, it is still on par with the V8 and better than the Hiboy S2.
According to TurboAnt, it takes roughly 6 hours to charge the battery. However, using the bundled 42V * 2A (84W) charger, I found it closer to 5 hours, which was a pleasant surprise.
Charging is faster than the CityRider (63W) and KQi2 Pro (70W). This means less waiting and more riding.
One of the features that made the X7 Pro a staple in the industry was its detachable quick-swap battery.
The main benefits of a swappable battery can be boiled down to:
However, the X7 Pro had one major flaw. There was no way to lock the battery to the scooter frame. This meant even if you locked your scooter, people could easily detach the battery pack.
TurboAnt has solved this issue on the X7 Max. The quick-swap battery now has an integrated lock that secures it to the scooter chassis.
This gives you peace of mind when you lock the scooter while running errands. There is no need to bring the battery pack with you everywhere anymore.
With 15.4 miles of tested real-world range, the TurboAnt X7 Max is a decent option for less challenging commutes.
While there are a few similarly priced models with slightly better range, this e-scooter wins on convenience and versatility with its swappable battery.
The X7 Max will be sufficient for 10-mile commutes for riders under 220 lbs (100 kg), leaving a bit of headroom.
For riders above 220 lbs, expect a slight drop in range (โ25%).
The X7 Max is fairly comfortable to ride, but there are several areas where TurboAnt could improve it.
The X7 Max lends much of its comfort to its large 10-inch pneumatic tires. With a width of 2.125", they're a bit narrow, but they handle well. These tubed tires do a great job of mitigating road vibrations and providing some cushioning.
With classic street tread, it's an ideal setup for city riding in various road conditions. I would've if the tires were tubeless, but that's often a premium at this price point.
Unlike the TurboAnt V8, the X7 Max has no additional suspension. This is felt when road conditions deteriorate. While it isn't exactly uncomfortable, you get the best and safest riding experience on smooth pavements.
The electric scooter features intelligent regenerative braking linked to its efficient 120mm rear disc brake system, seamlessly controlled by the left handlebar's brake lever.
I find the regenerative braking system somewhat abrupt and less smooth than models from Apollo, NIU, and Segway. However, this is understandable given the scooter's more accessible price point.
The rear disc brake performs well and didn't need any calibrating out of the box. It was very much a plug-and-play experience.
I measured the stopping distance from 15 MPH.
Model | Braking Distance |
---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 15.2 ft (4.6 m) |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 14.6 ft (4.5 m) |
fluid CityRider | 16.3 ft (5 m) |
TurboAnt V8 | 13.9 ft (4.2 m) |
Atomi Alpha | 15.9 ft (4.8 m) |
Hiboy S2 | 14.6 ft (4.5 m) |
Anything below 17 ft is okay, and below 15 is great. It doesn't quite match the V8, Hiboy S2, or NIU KQi2 Pro, but it delivers ample stopping power for its power level. On a <20 MPH scooter, you have all the braking performance you need.
The X7 Max has a highly unique deck. Because there is no battery or controller within, it is ultra-thin and sleek. This gives the scooter 6.2" (15.7 cm) of ground clearance, which is a lot for a commuter scooter.
High ground clearance would typically mean improved obstacle avoidance but at the expense of handling. However, the deck height isn't much taller than other scooters - it all comes down to the extremely skinny, zero-component deck.
However, there's a downside to having the battery and controller in the stem: it makes the front heavier and the scooter a bit top-heavy, which makes it harder to handle and control.
The TurboAnt X7 Max has a spacious deck that measures 19.7" x 6.7" (50 cm x 17 cm). It has a low-profile rubber surface with extrusions to ensure a strong grip and easy cleaning.
The TurboAnt X7 Max has narrow handlebars measure 16.3" (41.4 cm) across. While this goes a long way in making the scooter compact, it doesn't induce as much riding confidence as wider handlebar options like the KQi2 Pro do.
Wider handlebars provide more steering leverage, which helps with stability, control, and comfort. However, the narrow design makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier. A few additional inches of width would be welcomed, though.
The grips are fairly comfortable, although I would've loved the textured rubber surface to be a tad softer. As far as thickness goes, they're perfect to accommodate different hand sizes. I ride with gloves in the winter, and I've found larger grips fatigue my hands in conjunction with gloves - that isn't the case here.
The scooter has a fairly ergonomic thumb throttle. While I found it had a tiny bit of resistance, it is almost lag-free, and making precise acceleration adjustments is easy.
The throttle integrates a Mode and Power button. I like it when manufacturers combine components into one for a more streamlined rider experience. It makes things more intuitive and prettier to look at. The buttons have tactile feedback, which is a plus.
The left handlebar houses a smooth-to-operate brake lever with an integrated bell. Once again, whereas other scooters have the bell as a separate component, it is integrated here.The bell does its job. It is not enough to alert cars but works well on the bike path.
The X7 Max's LCD display sits between the handlebars, blending into the stem's top. It provides all the essential information I need, like speed, battery level, riding mode, and light status.
I found the display bright enough, whether riding in direct sunlight or at night.
The X7 Max scores well on portability with its 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg), but the stem-mounted battery makes it slightly awkward to carry.
Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
---|---|---|
TurboAnt X7 Max | 34.2 lbs | 15.5 kg |
NIU KQi2 Pro | 40.6 lbs | 18.4 kg |
fluid CityRider | 31 lbs | 14.1 kg |
TurboAnt V8 | 47.6 lbs | 21.6 kg |
Atomi Alpha | 36.8 lbs | 16.7 kg |
Hiboy S2 | 31.9 lbs | 14.5 kg |
The X7 Max falls amongst the lightest electric scooters in its price and power class. It is just shy of 20% lighter than the NIU KQi2 Pro and a whopping 32% lighter than the TurboAnt V8. Having carried all contenders up four flights of stairs multiple times, I can tell you the difference is very noticeable.
Speaking further in favor of the X7 Max, the detachable battery opens up a whole new world of portability. If you have a safe place (e.g., a basement or garage) to store the chassis, you can bring the battery alone inside for a charge.
At just 5.9 lbs (2.7 kg), it's a relief for my back compared to lugging a 40 lbs scooter around.
The scooter measures 16.3 x 49.2 x 44 in (49.7 x 150 x 134.1 cm) unfolded. Folded it measures 16.3 x 19.7 x 44 in (49.7 x 60 x 134.1 cm).
Overall, that's a very compact form factor. It has a bit of height, but that makes it a viable option for tall riders.
The X7 Max impressed me with its sturdy and effortless folding mechanism and a safety latch to prevent unwanted folding. Folding and unfolding is a snap, accomplished in just 9 seconds.
However, portability is a mixed bag. The battery makes for a thick stem, challenging to grip and carry comfortably. Although relatively lightweight, carrying the scooter strained my forearm due to the extra grip force required and its unbalanced weight distribution when folded.
On the flip side, removing the battery leaves you with a too-slender stem that is also less than ideal to carry.
Ideally, a deck-integrated, swappable battery would solve the issue, but it is much more challenging to design. I hope we'll see it in their future models.
Lastly, while it is nice that the stem can be hooked to the rear fender, it tends to slide out when you're not carrying the scooter. This setup isn't as refined as on the NIU KQis, where a release button must be pressed.
The X7 Max is a very well-constructed machine. It offers excellent durability at its price point, ensuring a reliable commuting experience.
There is very little room for improvement, considering its price. With a weight capacity of 275 lbs (124.7 kg), it can withstand heavy stress and carry large riders.
Most of the frame is made from an aluminum-magnesium alloy known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. It is typically more robust than pure aluminum and some other aluminum alloys.
This type of alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, which aids in the longevity of the scooter. It also tends to be more expensive than standard aluminum alloys, so it is impressive that TurboAnt can deliver it at this price.
The strength shows. The ultra-slim deck might fool you, but it is expertly designed with supporting bars underneath. I stress-tested it by jumping around while riding for an extended time (don't do this yourself), and the scooter held up with no issues.
There is no doubt the solid yet sleek construction is a large reason why the scooter can safely handle 275 lbs (124.7 kg) (although performance may not be ideal under these loads).
The fenders are decent but not great.
The front fender can best be described as a "half-fender" as it only covers the front of the wheel. Surprisingly, it protected me from splashes while riding in the rain. However, it may result in a dirt buildup on the underside of the deck if you don't clean the scooter regularly.
The rear fender covers the entire tire well, ensuring good water dispersion. However, it feels a bit flimsy as it only has a single contact point with the frame. While it doesn't rattle, an additional contact point at the side of the wheel would increase its strength.
The X7 Max has a large kickstand to accompany the high ground clearance. The scooter stands upright firmly (even at an angle) and doesn't tip, no matter which way the front tire is pointing.
Like most kickstands in its price range, this one has a slight wiggle. I subjected it to a rigorous test of 500 flips to assess its durability, and it impressively maintained its initial performance level, demonstrating a robust and reliable design regardless.
The folding mechanism is really well-built. It is a breeze to unlock, but a safety pin on the side ensures that it doesn't accidentally come undone.
There is no stem flex or wobble, which is a pleasant surprise as many entry-level electric scooters suffer from this issue.
I folded/unfolded the scooter 100 times to see if it showed any signs of weakness, but it held up really well.
The TurboAnt X7 Max has an IPX4 weather resistance rating. This means it has been lab-tested to withstand water splashes from any direction.
In the real world, this is a pretty average rating. The scooter can handle the occasional ride in light rain, but heavy rainfall should always be avoided.
The large pneumatic tires aid in good water dispersion, and the scooter felt pretty stable during my rain tests, but I would feel more confident with an IPX5 or IPX6 rating for regular rain riding.
Water damage is not covered under warranty on electric scooters. Ride carefully at your own discretion.
The X7 Max boasts a decent lighting setup.
It has a high-mounted 3W headlight with a downward angle. This is the optimal position as it illuminates more of the road, makes you more visible, and doesn't blind oncoming traffic.
The headlight is sufficient in combination with street lights, but if you're riding at speed in complete darkness, you'll want an additional light source.
The taillight is seamlessly integrated into the rear fender, offering a wide and bright illumination with a built-in reflector. When activated, it emits light at half intensity. Additionally, when the brake lever is engaged, it flashes more intensely to signal to traffic behind that you are slowing down.
The scooter also has two reflective stickers at the front wheel. I would've liked to see the same at the rear and some reflectors below the handlebars, but that is a cheap and easy addition to make yourself.
TurboAnt offers a fair 12-month warranty and a 30-day return and refund policy. The warranty only applies to initial purchases the original owner makes directly from their website.
The following is covered:
TurboAnt offers free repairs and maintenance for warranty-covered damage or defects. Normal wear and tear and damage related to misuse are not covered.
I recommend the TurboAnt X7 Max for value-oriented commuters seeking balanced performance, portability, and convenience. It isn't perfect in every aspect, but that is to be expected for an entry-level scooter.
If the quick-swap battery feature speaks to you, this is the best pick on the market, in my opinion. Having tested multiple detachable battery models, none provided as good a riding experience as the X7 Max.
If you're above 220 lbs or have hills to conquer, the X7 Max may leave you wanting more power. There aren't really any hill-capable alternatives below $500, so if this is the case, I recommend saving up for something like the KQi3 Pro, KQi3 Max, or Segway Max G2, which has that extra kick to pull you up inclines.
Top speed | 19.55 MPH (31.5 KMH) |
Acceleration 0-15 MPH | Avg: 8.29 s Best: 6.78 s |
Acceleration 0-17.9 MPH | Avg: 14.3 s Best: 14.07 s |
Hill climb 250ft @8% | 26.3 s (6.5 MPH) |
Range (speed priority) | 13.4 miles (21.6 km) |
Range (regular) | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) |
Range (range priority) | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) |
Braking distance 15 MPH - 0 MPH | 15.2 ft (4.6 m) |
Handlebar width | 16.3" (41.4 cm) |
Deck-to-handlebar | 40.2" (102 cm) |
Unfolded size | 16.3 x 49.2 x 44 in (49.7 x 150 x 134.1 cm) |
Folded size | 16.3 x 19.7 x 44 in (49.7 x 60 x 134.1 cm) |
Ground clearance | 6.2" (15.7 cm) |
Deck | 19.7" x 6.7" (50 cm x 17 cm) |
Charging time | 5 hours |
Brand | TurboAnt |
Top speed | 20 MPH (32.2 KMH) |
Motor power (nominal) | 350W |
Motor power (max) | Not provided. |
Motor Voltage | 36V |
Range | 32 miles (51.5 km) |
Battery | 36V, 10 Ah, lithium-ion |
Battery capacity | 360 Wh |
Charging time | 6 hours |
IP rating | IPX4 |
Weight | 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg) |
Max load | 275 lbs (124.7 kg) |
Tire type | Tubed, pneumatic |
Tire size | 10" x 2.125" |
Suspension | None |
Brakes | Rear 120mm disc brake, electronic regen |
Throttle type | Thumb throttle |
Lights | Headlight, brake light |