The Kugoo G-Max is a very solid scooter that offers a strong mix of value, performance, and comfort. With large 10-inch pneumatic tires, an above-average weight that provides extra stability, and a wide and ergonomic deck, the Kugoo G-Max successfully challenges the Ninebot Max, and gives it a good run for its money.
Who should buy the Kugoo G-Max?
There are a number of scooter owner categories that might fall in love with the Kugoo G-Max.
As a pretty versatile, general-purpose scooter, it will be of great service to regular and casual riders, but also commuters and owners that often depend on their scooters and want a reliable model.
Since this is clearly not an overpowered model, and yet it’s heavier than most budget scooters, it is a good choice for anyone looking for a solid, stable, extremely safe scooter. The top speed is nothing crazy, so not much can go wrong, and even if it does, the scooter is very dependable as it can take a lot of punishment.
Several of the most important features of the Kugoo G-Max all work together to make it a very comfortable scooter, so if you want smooth, relaxing rides, the G-Max can be a good choice for you.
Finally, beginners can easily use and fall in love with this scooter, as it’s simple to use, yet tons of fun.
Where to buy the Kugoo G-Max from?
Kugoo scooters and the Kugoo brand
The Kugoo brand is available primarily in Europe.
A few years ago, the Kugoo brand was a relative newcomer to the scooter scene. They only had a few models, and seeing a Kugoo scooter on the street was unusual, even in the European cities and countries where scooters were already popular.
Today, it’s a different story.
Kugoo is a well-established budget scooter line in Europe. In some cities and countries, it manages to grab such a large market share, that Kugoo scooters even outnumber the typical Xiaomi and Ninebot scooters.
Every single one of their scooters is good value for money, always performing better than similarly priced scooters. In some cases, a Kugoo scooter will almost be twice as powerful as another scooter in the same price range.
That is certainly the case for the Kugoo G-Max, which outperforms many competing scooters that cost about the same.
Ordering, shipping, discounts, and price matching
GeekBuying is traditionally the best place to buy any Kugoo scooter, including the G-Max. They will almost always have the lowest price, and if they don’t, many of their listings will provide price matching.
Further, GeekBuying often has promotions and significant discounts on their best-selling scooter line, and in fact, there is one going on right now (use the coupon code GKB461S to claim an additional discount).
The Kugoo G-Max will be shipped for free throughout Europe. There are no additional duty charges or taxes. The scooter will arrive at your doorstep in 3-10 business days.
If you want to take a look at the Kugoo G-Max at GeekBuying, click here.
Warranty, return policy, customer support
When ordered through GeekBuying, the Kugoo G-Max comes with a generous warranty period of 12 months on the majority of the critical components, 6 months on the battery and the charger, and 2 weeks on the wearable parts.
There is a 14-day return period on the scooter.
If you have any issues while ordering the G-Max, the GeekBuying support team is available 24 hours a day through their online contact form and through email.
Unboxing and assembly
The scooter is on the heavier side, so it will arrive in a large, well-secured box. It will include sufficient protective covers and materials, which will make sure the scooter arrives intact.
The package weighs around 25 kg / 55 lbs. It contains:
- the scooter
- the charger
- the hex keys and the screws needed for the assembly
- the tire pump valve
- the user manual
- the warranty
The only assembly you need to do is install the handlebar in the stem and screw the two screws into the stem using the hex key.
Before riding, make sure the scooter’s battery is fully charged, the stem and the handlebars are tightly screwed, the folding mechanism is stable, and the brakes work properly.
User manual
The Kugoo G-Max comes with a short, clear, illustrated manual.
I am perfectly aware that everyone hates reading those things, and if you read this entire blog post, you will probably not have to read the manual. I still recommend skimming through the manual, as different scooter batches can have some small differences in details that you may want to know about.
Folding and unfolding
The folding mechanism is quite ingeniuos and original. Overall, Kugoo has done a very good job on the folding mechanism.
Folding the scooter is very simple – you need to turn the red valve on the stem (the opening should say “ON”), then lift the black pipe under it, and the stem is unlocked and ready to be folded.
While riding, the folding mechanism is very secure. Simple to fold, yet very stable, that’s not a folding combination I’ve seen in many scooters.
Kugoo G-Max ride experience
The ride experience is the strongest point of the Kugoo G-Max.
The 10-inch pneumatic tires provide very smooth and comfortable rides. They play the role of shock absorbers, so even larger cracks, potholes, and bumps are hardly felt. Coupled with the powerful 500-Watt motor, the top speed of 35 kmh / 22 mph, and the large deck, the G-Max offers a very fun yet safe experience.
Lifespan, material, and build quality
Unlike most typical scooters, the Kugoo G-Max is not made from aluminum alloy. Instead, it is made from magnesium alloy (although, the magnesium alloy is often mixed with a lot of aluminum as well). The build material also includes a significant amount of iron, which explains the durability and toughness of the scooter. There are a few interesting advantages of magnesium alloys over the typical alloys used in scooters, most notably higher strength, durability, and impact resistance.
The G-Max hasn’t been around for that long, so it’s a bit too soon to talk about lifespan. Still, early signs are very promising, as defect rates are very low (especially mechanical defect rates). You can probably expect a long and prosperous lifespan from this scooter.
Control, turning, balance
As the motor is in the front wheel, turning will be sensitive and easy. You may need some time to adjust if you’ve ridden a rear-drive scooter before, but you will get to know and love this system quickly.
Since the tires of the Kugoo G-Max are wider than the tires of most other scooters, the balance will also be quite good.
Motor and power
The Kugoo G-Max has a single brushless DC hub motor, integrated into the front wheel. It has 500 Watts of power, and with that, it’s significantly more powerful than the majority of other commuters and other similarly priced scooters.
Speed and acceleration
The Kugoo G-Max can develop a top speed of up to 35 kmh / 22 mph. Interestingly, this is not just the best-case scenario, it is the true top speed that regular users can expect (80 kg / 176 lbs rider, some ups and downs, standard road conditions). A few reports online even state that the scooter can reach up to 37 kmh / 23 mph.
The G-Max accelerates gradually but quickly, and the acceleration matches the overall power level and the top speed of the scooter.
Climbing and going uphill
The Kugoo G-Max has several things going for it when it comes to climbing.
The 500-Watt motor is about 50% more powerful than the motors found in most commuter scooters, and that gives it very good torque.
Further, the motor is integrated into the front wheel, which is always the better wheel to host the motor for climbing, as that results in extra torque as well.
The climb tests suggest that the Kugoo G-Max can easily tackle hills of up to 15°.
Battery and charging
The Kugoo G-Max has a 374 Wh, 36 V battery. It takes between 6 and 7 hours to charge, although that time can easily increase up to 8.5 hours as the battery gets older (that’s the case with every scooter battery though). Personally, I believe Kugoo should have done a better job here, at least they could have provided a faster charger, as a scooter with this kind of specs can easily charge fully in 4 hours with a fast charger.
The charging port is located on the front diagonal end of the deck, and is protected with a plastic cap that prevents water from entering and damaging the battery.
Charging the scooter fully costs around 10 pence in the UK and 6 cents in the EU on average, when charged during off-peak hours. During peak hours, charging costs 12 pence in the UK, and around 8 cents in the EU.
Range
The range specified by Kugoo for the G-Max is 32 km / 20 mi. This can vary quite a bit, as some users have reported getting less than that when riding in unfavorable conditions, and constantly riding close to the top speed (one heavier owner reports 23 km / 14 mi in a hilly area). For the more typical owners, which are under the weight limit and ride in a fairly flat area, the real-world range will be 27-32 km / 17-20 mi.
Brakes
The Kugoo G-Max features a redundant dual-brake system, with one brake on each wheel, and that makes it a very safe choice.
The rear wheel has a disc brake, and the front wheel has an electronic brake, which slows down the motor movement and regenerates battery power when used. They are both activated by the brake lever on the left handlebar.
With two strong brakes, the Kugoo G-Max achieves a braking distance of around 5 meters / 15 feet.
Tires and suspension
The 10-inch pneumatic tires are definitely a strong point of the G-Max, as they are much more resistant to flats than the 8.5-inch tires found in most other scooters with a similar price tag. Also, with a width of 3 inches, they are wider than most other tires that are just 2 or 2.5 inches wide, resulting in better balance and even more comfort.
And it’s not just the smaller chance of a flat – the rides will be much more comfortable, the entire scooter will shake less, and the overall ride will be safer.
Even though the tires are quite big, this is still a primarily urban scooter. Offroad rides, while feasible and definitely better than the ones of other commuters, will still be a poor experience and can only be done for short periods.
All in all, the tires are a huge win. They are so good that the designers have decided to not include any suspension, as the tires do a great job of absorbing the shocks from the bumpy rides. Now, of course, the rides will not be as smooth as with a, say, 11-inch tire scooter with dual suspension, but keep in mind that that kind of scooter usually costs 5 times as much as the G-Max.
LED dashboard and controls
The power button, the light switch, and the throttle, are all placed on the right handlebar, and the left handlebar hosts a medium-loud bell and the brake lever.
The LED screen is not too dark, but not too bright neither. While you will not have a problem reading it, I wouldn’t mind if it were a bit brighter and with some more contrast. You may have trouble reading it on the brightest summer days, but otherwise, it shouldn’t be a problem.
The screen shows:
- current speed mode (1, 2, or 3)
- current speed
- odometer
- battery level (6 bars)
- a rotating speed animation that represents the real-time movement of the wheels
Water resistance and IP rating
The Kugoo G-Max has an ingress protection rating of IP54. That means it has solid protection against water, more specifically it can resist water splashes from all angles and not suffer any damage.
The IP54 is a somewhat standard level of water protection in many of the good scooters today. Riding in the rain and snow is still not recommended, but if you are forced to do so, you and your G-Max will probably survive without a scratch.
Lights and night rides
The Kugoo G-Max has an LED headlight on the front of the stem, situated at the top and angled slightly downwards.
The rear brake light is rather small and inconspicuous. While the rear fender has a reflective light, the brake light is behind it, and it’s almost like it’s below the fender, so it’s not as visible as it should be.
Weight limit
The official weight limit of the Kugoo G-Max is 100 kg / 220 lbs.
I believe Kugoo may be erring on the safe side here and underreporting this, since a 500-Watt motor should be able to pull a much larger person. Still, it’s best to stick with the brand’s recommendation, and if you weigh more, it’s best to see the guide on the scooters for heavy adults.
Weight, dimensions, and portability
The Kugoo G-Max is not a lightweight scooter. It weighs 20 kg / 44 lbs. There are much heavier scooters, but this type of weight might make it pretty inconvenient for some people.
When folded, the scooter’s dimensions are manageable. The scooter will fit easily in everyday spaces like car trunks and elevator doors.
So, while the volume is not that bad, the weight makes this scooter a not-so-portable option. The G-Max uses its weight well, as it is one of the most stable and reliable scooters in its price range, so we could say the weight is actually a feature and not a bug.
Design, colors, look and feel
The main design feature, which is likely what most scooter enthusiasts will notice first, is the angled ends on the deck. The G-Max pulls off this elegant yet comfortable design flawlessly, and it is one of those scooters that will never be mistaken for just another Xiaomi clone.
Since the scooter is relatively heavy, and has a wide deck and a thick stem, the whole vehicle has a tough, reliable look and feel to it.
Deck, frame, handlebars
The deck and the frame are arguably the most unique features of the Kugoo G-Max.
With the atypical deck with diagonal ends, this scooter provides an ergonomic footrest for your rear foot, and a large standing surface for lots of comfort and balance. The deck has a rubber surface on top of it for extra grip.
The kickstand is also pretty thick, although not ideally located, so when the scooter is leaning on it, it’s not perfectly balanced, and it can tip over easily.
The stem is very thick and very sturdy. It provides very stable rides, while not sacrificing the simplicity of the folding process.
Maintenance
The G-Max is a very tough and resilient scooter, and requires little to no maintenance.
The regular routine of making sure that the battery is not damaged, the brakes are still strong, the tires are sufficiently inflated, and all the screws are tight, will be more than enough.
If you want to take some extra care of your scooter, you can lubricate the joints after cleaning it.
App
Every Kugoo scooter can connect with the Kugoo Mobility app, and the G-Max is no exception. You can find the Kugoo Mobility app for both Android and iPhone.
Keep in mind that scooter apps are notoriously buggy, and this applies to Kugoo Mobility as well. To be fair, bluetooth connectivity is one of the most difficult features to get right in a mobile app, and judging by the lots of negative reviews and comments, it is the main reason why scooter apps don’t always work properly.
One of the coolest features of the app is the ability to lock your scooter. While it’s very useful and definitely one of my favorite features, you will still want to get a strong and safe scooter lock if you plan on leaving your scooter outside. See my guide for the best scooter lock recommendations (I recommend a medium-strong yet affordable U-lock for the Kugoo G-Max such as the Via Velo Heavy Duty Bicycle U-Lock 14mm)
You can also take a look at the Universal Electric Scooter App by EScooterNerds as a complementary app. It is not meant to be a replacement for the standard app, but it will provide you with easy and simple access to many useful guides and tools that will make your scooter ownership a better experience.
Kugoo G-Max speed hack
There have been some rumors circulating online about a possible speed hack for the Kugoo G-Max, specifically a firmware hack that would unlock speeds of up to 50 kmh / 31 mph. However, the scooter’s battery and motor themselves are not capable of developing such speeds, so the alleged hack is just a false rumor.
Accessories and customizations
There are no known official accessories, customizations, and other after-market parts for the Kugoo G-Max. Since many of the parts of the scooter have standard sizes, it is possible that some generic scooter accessories fit it well.
I don’t believe adding a seat would be possible (if you need a great scooter with a seat, check out the Kugoo G-Booster review), but a trunk or a basket on the front of the stem might work just fine.
Probably the only truly must-have piece of equipment for the Kugoo G-Max is a safe helmet. Since the top speed is not very fast, you only need to get a half-face helmet like the ILM Half Helmet. If you want to find the perfect helmet for your budget and situation, see my guide on the best scooter helmets.
Known issues and downsides
No electric scooter is perfect. Naturally, the Kugoo G-Max will come with some design choices that will present its owners with potential downsides and issues.
The biggest tradeoff that the Kugoo G-Max makes is its weight. Since it’s significantly heavier than the typical commuter scooter, the G-Max will be less portable and harder to carry around. True, the bigger weight provides more stability and reliability, but still, many users prefer portability, and for that category of users this will be the biggest tradeoff (see some of the lightest electric scooters if you’re after an extra-lightweight model).
Other than that, the G-Max doesn’t really have any serious downsides.
As we mentioned previously, the rear brake light could be more noticeable if it placed a bit higher above the rear fender.
Also, the kickstand could be a bit longer.
The LED screen is good enough, but it would be much better if it were a brighter and easier to read on sunny days.
Those are some of the biggest issues of the Kugoo G-Max, and as we can see, none of them are truly big faults that impact the ride experience significantly.
Kugoo G-Max specifications
Kugoo G-Max Specifications
| Top speed | 35 kmh |
| Top speed | 22 mph |
| Range | 32 km |
| Range | 20 mi |
| Motors | front hub BLDC motor |
| Power | 500 W |
| Climb angle | 15 ° |
| Battery | 374.4 Wh, 36 V |
| Charging time | 7 h |
| Ingress protection (IP) | IP54 |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| Weight | 44 lbs |
| Weight limit | 100 kg |
| Weight limit | 220 lbs |
| Tire size | 10×3 in |
| Tire type | pneumatic |
| Foldable | yes |
| Foldable handlebars | no |
| Build material | magnesium alloy + iron |
| Terrains | versatile |
| Brakes | rear disc + electronic |
| Shock absorbers | no |
| Lights | front LED + rear brake |
| Control | LED display |
| Speed modes | 3 |
| Cruise control | yes |
| App | yes |
| Warranty | 12 months, 6 on battery |
| Return period | 7/14 days |
| Folded dimensions (L * W * H) | 102 cm * 57 cm * 53 cm |
| Folded dimensions (L * W * H) | 40 in * 22 in * 21 in |
| Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H) | 102 cm * 57 cm * 94 cm |
| Unfolded dimensions (L * W * H) | 40 in * 22 in * 37 in |
| Adjustable handlebar | no |
Kugoo G-Max vs Kugoo G-Booster
I’ve seen a few comparisons of these two scooters, but personally, I believe comparing these two scooters head-to-head doesn’t make much sense, as both belong in different price categories and serve different purposes.
The Kugoo G-Booster is closer to offroad scooters, with dual motors, huge offroad treaded tires, and priced almost twice as much. It is also an excellent scooter, but it’s clearly not a commuter option and it will be a better pick for someone looking for extra power (if that sounds good to you, you can see the complete Kugoo G-Booster review to find out more).
The Kugoo G-Max is much better suited for the commuters, the regular riders, the hobby and casual users, and the beginners. It is cheaper, safer, more comfortable, while also having a great level of quality. So the decision between these two should be very easy.
Kugoo G-Max vs Ninebot Max
The Kugoo G-Max is most often compared to the Ninebot Max. And rightfully so, since the Ninebot Max is definitely one of the best electric scooters for commuters and regular users in the world, and arguably one of the best electric scooters under $1000.
One of the biggest advantages of the Ninebot Max will be the range, as it will come with twice as much range as the Kugoo G-Max. Of course, brand recognition will be on the side of the Ninebot Max too, as well as an advantage in build quality, since the Ninebot Max has been designed by some of the best engineers in the game, tested by millions of people worldwide, and undergone several improvements and iterations by now. It’s just one of the advantages of being a vastly popular scooter. The Ninebot Max will also have better water protection.
Even though the Kugoo G-Max has a weaker motor on paper, it still manages to outperform the Ninebot Max in terms of speed and climbing power, and those will be its main advantages. Also, you will end up with around $200 extra in your pocket, which is not a trivial sum of money.
All of the other most important properties such as the weight, weight limit, tire dimension, brakes, etc, will be similar in both models.
So, if you’re looking for more range, better quality, or better water protection, check out my detailed Ninebot Max review. If you’re looking for more speed, climbing power, or a better price, go with the Kugoo G-Max.
Price and value for money
The price of the Kugoo G-Max is subject to change. Currently priced at $645 (likely even less if you use the EScooterNerds discount coupons), it is at one of its lowest price points, since this scooter has been priced at $850 or more at times.
Since Kugoo scooters rarely cost more than $500, or even $400 for that matter, this is one of the higher-end Kugoo models, with the Kugoo G-Booster likely being the only more expensive Kugoo model.
For $645, the G-Max is an amazing bang-for-buck, with stability, quality, and performance levels of much more expensive scooters.
Kugoo G-Max Verdict
In my opinion, the biggest question that the Kugoo G-Max has to answer is “why should I choose you over the Ninebot Max?”.
There are a few very good reasons, most notably the $150-$200 of spare change you will end up with, but also the stronger magnesium-alloy frame, the potentially better climb angle, and the smaller volume when folded among other things.
All in all, the Kugoo G-Max is another excellent scooter by Kugoo, and it can easily go toe-to-toe with other much more expensive scooters. For the current price of $645, it is a real bargain.
Where to buy the Kugoo G-Max from?
