VMAX VX2 Hub Review: A Single Motor With Dual-Motor Punch


My Take

The VMAX VX2 Hub is one of those scooters that doesn’t necessarily jump off the page with outrageous specs, but once you start riding it, you realize just how well-rounded it is.

I’ve tested/ridden plenty of scooters that either focus on speed or prioritize portability, and the VX2 Hub lands somewhere in the middle. It’s fast enough to make commuting enjoyable, comfortable enough for longer rides, and practical enough that I’d actually want to use it every day.

One surprising thing about the VX2 Hub is just how powerful it feels for its size, though I didn’t find it difficult to control. I did double-check the spec sheet, however, because the acceleration feels like that of a much larger scooter. Most riders probably haven’t experienced this kind of power in what is a relatively compact and manageable chassis. 

While the VX2 Hub won’t win any awards for having the flashiest design, it more than makes up for its understated appearance once you hit the throttle. This scooter lets its performance take the spotlight, and after a few rides, that’s what you’ll remember most.

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VMAX VX2 Hub Electric Scooter

Like


  • Good acceleration for a single-motor scooter Solid suspension setup Integrated turn signals Large UL Certified battery with impressive range Stable ride at higher speeds Bright TFT display Fast charging for its battery size

Don’t like


  • Mechanical rear brake instead of hydraulic The range drops considerably when riding at top speed (which is common with all electric scooters)

Power comes from a proprietary rear hub motor capable of producing up to 1,900 watts of peak output. Acceleration is smooth and predictable without feeling twitchy. The scooter tops out at around 33 mph, which is more than enough for most bike lanes and urban riding. I was able to easily achieve this top speed despite being a larger rider.

The VMAX VX2 Hub is built to handle more than just flat city streets. It can tackle inclines of up to 35% while supporting riders weighing up to 287 pounds. Despite packing plenty of performance, the scooter tips the scales at a manageable 57 pounds. The 17.95-inch-long by 7.40-inch-wide footboard provided more than enough room for my size 12 shoes, allowing me to comfortably adjust my stance during longer rides. The handlebars measure just under 40 inches wide, giving the VX2 Hub a planted, stable feel and plenty of leverage when maneuvering through traffic or carving through turns.

vmax-handlebar

Joseph Kaminski

What impressed me most was the ride quality. The combination of the front oil-damped suspension, rear elastomer suspension and 10-inch tubeless tires does a great job of soaking up the bumps from rough pavement, expansion joints and potholes. New York City streets aren’t exactly known for being smooth, and the VX2 Hub handled them better than many scooters of this size I’ve tested.

Flashy lights and eye-catching paint jobs are nice, but let’s be honest: Most of us buy scooters to get from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible. That’s where the VX2 Hub shines. It strikes a good balance between stability and portability. While I wouldn’t want to carry it up several flights of stairs every day, it’s manageable enough for those of us living in walk-ups, and light enough to load into an SUV or bring into an office when needed. I personally keep it in my three-flight walk-up apartment, while my heavier rides are in storage.

vmax-vx2-hub-2

Joseph Kaminski

Unlike some scooter brands that force you to download an app just to access basic functions, the VX2 Hub works perfectly fine right out of the box. That said, the VMAX E-Scooter app adds several useful features for riders who want to dig a little deeper. Through the app, you can view real-time riding data, monitor battery status and remaining range, record trips and review ride history. It also includes route planning, turn-by-turn navigation, range predictions based on your riding habits and conditions and even the ability to map out custom routes before you leave home. I appreciate that VMAX treats the app as an enhancement rather than a requirement, allowing riders to decide how connected they want their experience to be.

vmax-vx2-hub

Joseph Kaminski

Battery and Range

VMAX rates the VX2 Hub for up to 56 miles of range from its UL Certified Lithium Ion 48-volt, 874-Wh battery.

As always, range numbers depend heavily on rider weight, terrain, weather conditions and speed. Most riders won’t cover the full 56 miles unless they ride conservatively. Based on my real-world use, I think most riders can expect 25-40 miles per charge, which is still enough for several days of commuting without needing to reach for the charger. The battery also recharges surprisingly fast. From zero, it takes a little over 4 hours, which is impressive given the battery’s size.

Safety Features

VMAX did a nice job equipping the VX2 Hub with the features riders actually use. Integrated turn signals make lane changes safer, while the bright front and rear lighting enhance visibility during early-morning and evening rides. A front drum brake, a rear mechanical disc brake and a regenerative braking system provide braking.

The scooter is also rated IPX6, meaning it can handle wet roads and light rain without issue, though I’d still avoid riding through standing water whenever possible.

vx2-hub

VMAX

Final Thoughts

The VMAX VX2 Hub is one of the best commuter scooters I’ve ridden this year. It offers a stable ride, plenty of power, useful safety features and battery capacity to handle most riders’ weekly commuting needs without worrying about charging. If you’re in the market for a premium commuter scooter that balances performance, comfort and practicality, the VX2 Hub deserves serious consideration.

Beast Mode

For anyone who owns a VMAX VX2 Hub and is wondering how I was hitting 30+ mph, the scooter doesn’t ship with its full top speed unlocked. You’ll need to enable Beast Mode, but only if you’re comfortable and confident riding at higher speeds.

How to unlock Beast Mode:
Turn the scooter on.
Make sure it’s in Zero Start mode (able to accelerate from a complete stop).
Quickly press the Power/On button five times.
Once enabled, the standard 20 mph speed limit is removed, allowing the VX2 Hub to reach speeds of 34+ mph where legally permitted.
Ride responsibly, wear a helmet and always obey your local laws and speed regulations.





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How to get Siri AI - join the waitlist today

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Siri AI requires the iOS 27 developer beta and a waitlist.
  • A free Apple Developer account is enough to install the beta.
  • Apple says Siri AI will launch in beta later this year.

Apple finally gave Siri the major update everyone has wanted for years, moving it from the voice assistant era to the intelligent AI era.

At WWDC 2026 in June, the company introduced Siri AI, a new version of Siri “powered by Apple Intelligence.” Apple said Siri AI is more conversational, understands personal context, can answer broader questions, and can take action across apps. It can also use my information from messages, emails, photos, notes, and the screen itself to get more done on my behalf.

Also: The two biggest iOS 27 features at WWDC for me had nothing to do with Siri AI

The catch? (There’s always one, right?) The iOS 27 developer beta needs to be installed first, and even then, there is a waitlist.

How to get Siri AI

What you’ll need: An iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, any iPhone 16 model, or any iPhone 17 model running the iOS 27 developer beta.

Install the iOS 27 developer beta on a secondary device, but be sure to back it up first. Remember, developer betas are unfinished software. Apps can crash or glitch, battery life can drain, and features can disappear.

The good news is Apple no longer requires a $99-a-year Apple Developer Program membership just to get access to beta software. A free Apple Developer account is enough. To join, if you haven’t before, simply go to Apple’s Developer website or use the Apple Developer app, sign in, and agree to the developer terms.

Also: 3 new MacOS 27 features make it worth upgrading right away for me – Siri included

Once that’s done, any new developer beta will automatically appear for the iPhone associated with that Apple Account. To check for iOS 27 and install it now, open Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates. From there, select iOS 27 Developer Beta, go back to the Software Update screen, and install the update.

Need help? Check out ZDNET’s guide on installing the iOS 27 developer beta.


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Install the iOS 27 developer beta

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After the iOS 27 developer beta is installed, the iPhone will reboot, but Siri AI will not automatically be available to try. Apple is using a waitlist. To join it, open the Settings app, go to Apple Intelligence and Siri, and select “Try New Siri.” Follow the prompts to opt in. Once a spot opens, a notification will appear saying New Siri is available.

Also: Getting real about WWDC and Siri AI – Video

Apple has not confirmed how long the wait will take, but it has said Siri AI will be available in beta “later this year.”


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Join the Siri AI waitlist

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Should you wait to try Siri AI?

Maybe. The iOS 27 developer beta is the only route to Siri AI right now. But it’s meant for developers testing apps and APIs, not for most people who need a stable daily phone. Only install it on an iPhone that’s not used every day, or wait for the iOS 27 public beta. That’s expected in July and is easy for anyone to try. An official release for the general public isn’t expected until this fall.

Also: How Data Can Improve Your Health and Wellness

As for me? I joined. I have a spare iPhone running the iOS 27 developer beta right now, and the first thing I did was get on the waitlist to try Siri AI. But that’s because I’m usually excited to try AI tools, and I want to play with the new Siri and be able to write about it. 

Should you join Siri Ai waitlist?

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What can Siri AI do?

Apple said the new Siri AI is “a dramatically more capable and conversational assistant” that can help you “find information and get things done throughout the day.” That’s nice, but what, specifically, can it do? According to Apple, the new Siri AI can:

Also: Will your iPhone support Siri AI? The answer is complicated

  • Access “broad world knowledge for up-to-date answers” on any topic.
  • Provide “detailed responses” and “natural back-and-forth conversation.”
  • Use “personal context” in messages, emails, and photos to help find what you need.
  • Find details like restaurant tips, hotel confirmations, and trip photos.
  • Understand what’s on screen and answer questions about it.
  • Use “Visual Intelligence” in Camera and screenshots.
  • Take actions across apps, including drafting emails and editing or sharing photos.
  • Let you ask about images, files, and text from context menus.
  • Generate, rewrite, and proofread text systemwide.
  • Match punctuation and tone in Mail and Messages based on how you usually write.
  • Save “conversation history” in a dedicated Siri app.
  • Offer more expressive voices and better dictation.
  • Help split bills with Apple Cash.
  • Run across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, AirPods, and Vision Pro.
  • Work from Spotlight on iPad and Mac.

When will Siri AI be available?

Apple said it will be available in beta “later this year,” starting in English.

Which iPhone models support Siri AI?

The answer is complicated, but here’s my best guess:

  • iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • All iPhone 16 models
  • Any later iPhone models

Apple hasn’t provided a supported device list, but its iOS 27 page shows Siri AI requires “an Apple Intelligence-enabled device.” Apple’s support page for Apple Intelligence also lists “iPhone 15 Pro models, and iPhone 16 models or later.” Apple’s iOS page uses similar wording for Apple Intelligence in iOS 27, as well: “all iPhone 16 models and later, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max.”

There are also regional limits. Apple said Siri AI will “not initially” be available in the EU on iPhone and iPad.


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