REVIEW OF THE DECENT ONE MAX ELECTRIC KICKSCOOTER
Written by Ed Wiles, Scootered Founder
Introduction
The Decent One Max electric scooter is a version of the Decent One. The main (but not only) difference is its longer range. The British company behind the Decents had been wholesaling other brands for years before they licensed the same scooter used by Turboant (X7 and X8) in the USA. So how does the Decent One Max e-scooter compare to other e-scooters in the price range?
It is generally priced between a Xiaomi 1S and Xiaomi Pro 2.
The Basics
The Decent One Max is a foldable electric scooter with a simple design, replaceable battery, 25 km/h (16 mph) top speed, 38 km (24 mile) range, and 15 kg weight. The battery is stored in the handlebar stem and can be replaced, but in a different way to the Decent One. This means that you can carry spare batteries with you (in a rucksack) and replace one as and when you need, thus extending your journey should you need to. The dashboard displays the speedometer, battery level and riding mode. There is no app to connect to.
The Design
As mentioned, the Decent One Max's 36V Li-ion battery is located in the handlebar stem, but its extra size (compared with the Decent One) means it sticks out (much like the original Ninebot ES4). The Decent One Max is very similar to the Decent One in most design aspects. The frame is built from an aluminium alloy, just like the Xiaomi scooters (and indeed all vehicles in the price range). This means it is strong but not too heavy. At about 15 kg, it is heavier than similar Xiaomis, but this will in part be due to its extra height and larger wheels (the tyres themselves are air-filled): the Decent One Max has 10 inch tyres, while the Xiaomi range have 8.5 inch tyres.
The display on the Decent One Max is actually a point of difference with the Decent one, and looks somewhat sexier. It shows your speed as well as the battery power and ride mode. The accelerator is a button/switch on the right-hand handlebar, on which the power button and menu button are also housed (this is the same as the Decent One but different from most e-scooters).
There is a bike-like brake and bell on the left-hand handlebar. There is a headlight and a rear light, that also functions as a brake light. The scooter has the same white side reflectors as the Decent One, repeating the white in the brand logo. These reflectors conceal the bolts for the wheels (meaning that they will have to be peeled off and then stuck back on should you ever need to remove a wheel).
Riding The Decent One Max
The 10 inch pneumatic tyres provide for a pretty smooth ride, comparable to that delivered by the Xiaomis (with their 8.5 inch tyres). The overall feel of the Decent One Max (and Decent One) is much like that of those first Segway-Ninebot e-scooters because of the battery placement. The rear mud guard also functions as an "emergency" brake, again like the original Ninebots. Decent do not provided braking distances but the brake is the same as the Xiaomis (it looks like the disc is manufactured by the same company). If you are not used to riding scooters, please be careful while you get used to it, and wear a helmet whenever you are out on an e-scooter.
Although the 10 inch tyres are reasonably large, there is no independent suspension (shock absorbers), meaning that you are relying on the air-filled tyres to provide for a smoother ride. This is fine unless you pick up punctures and end up putting on solid or honeycomb tyres; though the makers claim that, if run at the recommended pressure, their tyres are puncture resistant (I am somewhat skeptical).
Battery
The Decent One Max comes with a 36V, 360 Wh, which is pretty good (the Watt hours is exactly twice that of the Decent One). It's motor power is rated as 350 Watts, which is above average in the price range and allows for a maximum climbing angle of 20%. It seems that providing the extra power has a detrimental effect on the range of the Decent One Max, which falls short of that provided by the cheaper Xiaomi 1S. Of course, Decent would claim that this shorter range is compensated for by having replaceable batteries.
Summary
The Decent scooters are intended to do a simple job effectively without a lot of frills. Much like the Xiaomis. There is certainly little wrong with the scooter. The lack of app connectivity is a slight negative for me at this price range (but then the Ducati Scrambler has no app connectivity either). The range is unremarkable but the changeable battery perhaps makes up for that (though you of course have to buy that extra battery). To be honest, despit really liking the overall design and especially the dashboard, the final straw for me (in not awarding it five stars) is one of aesthetics: the big battery sticking out of the handlebar stem.
If I needed the extra range, I might be tempted to buy a Decent One and an extra battery (which would match the range of the Max). The only drawback would be that the dashboard is less sexy (and you would be screwed if you then forgot to bring the extra battery with you). Anyway, it's really a toss up between the specs (eg compared with the Xiaomis) and which scooter you like the look of best.
Rating
Specification Table
| Size (Unfolded) | 108 x 42 x 118 cm |
| Size (Folded) | 108 x 42 x 46 cm |
| Weight | 15 kg |
| Output | 350 watts |
| Battery Capacity | 360 Wh |
| Top Speed | 25 km/h |
| Range | 38 km (24 miles) |
| Charge Time | 5-6 hours |
| Max Climbing Angle | 20 % |
| Tyres | 10 inch air-filled |
| Shock Absorbers | No |
| Rear Brake | Mechanical |
| Waterproof | IP54: spray resistant |
| Lights | Headlight + Rear Light |
| Riding Modes | Eco/Standard/Sport |
| Display | Battery/Speed/Mode |