buying guidetestingconsumer advice

The Ethics of Advertising Range and Top Speed: A Buyer’s Guide to Spec Verification

UUnknown

2026-02-16

9 min read

Cut through CES hype and bargain listings—learn how to verify range and top speed claims, run repeatable tests, and decode spec metrics before buying.

Hook: Don’t Buy on a Headline — Verify the Numbers

CES 2026 flashed another round of jaw-dropping claims: Swiss maker VMAX teased a VX6 that “does 50 mph,” while bargain listings on AliExpress promise an AB17 e‑bike that hits 23 mph and 45 miles of range for under $250. Those claims feed a common pain point: are spec sheets marketing copy or reality? If you’re about to spend money on a scooter or e‑bike, you need a repeatable way to verify range claims and top speed so you buy a vehicle that actually fits your life — and stays legal and safe.

Why Specs Lie (or Mislead) — The Marketing Mechanics

First, understand why manufacturers and marketplaces publish optimistic numbers:

Peak vs continuous: A motor rated 1000W peak can spike to that number for a few seconds — it does not mean it will sustain that power to reach a claimed top speed.
Ideal-condition testing: Claims often come from downhill runs, tailwinds, a featherweight rider, or controlled lab cycles.
Different standards: WLTP, EPA, and local e‑bike classes use different test cycles and assumptions. A “45‑mile” WLTP number won’t match a real commuter route.
Battery marketing: Ads cite nominal Wh (watt‑hours) rather than usable Wh after BMS cutoffs, temperature loss, and age.
Selective language: “Up to 50 mph” means “in one very narrow scenario.”

2026 Trends That Make Verification Essential

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw two trends that matter to buyers:

High‑performance micro‑mobility at CES: brands like VMAX are pushing >40 mph scooters to market, blurring the line between commuter and lightweight motorcycle. That raises safety and legal questions — verify top speed and braking capabilities.
Ultra‑cheap imports on marketplaces: extremely low prices for e‑bikes and scooters (AliExpress and similar) are common. They often cut corners on battery quality, BMS, or motor controllers. Independent testing can reveal the holes.

How to Read the Numbers: Basic Metrics Demystified

Before testing, learn the metrics you'll use and what they actually mean:

Wh (watt‑hours): Battery energy. Usable Wh ≤ nominal Wh because of BMS safety margins and aging.
Continuous vs peak watts: Continuous rating tells you sustained power. Peak is short bursts.
Wh/mi or Wh/km: Real-world energy consumption. Use this to convert battery Wh into likely range.
Top speed (sustained vs burst): Sustained top speed is what you can hold on flat ground with your weight and wind conditions. Burst top speed is a short sprint under ideal conditions.

Quick Reality Check Examples (Numbers You Can Trust)

Example 1 — VMAX VX6 50 mph claim

Let’s run physics, simplified. Air drag power scales with velocity cubed. A small upright scooter hitting 50 mph (≈80 km/h) faces enormous aerodynamic drag. Using conservative coefficients, drag power alone at 50 mph is roughly 3–5 kW. Add rolling resistance and drivetrain losses and you need a continuous motor power well over 3 kW to sustain 50 mph on flat ground.

Translation: if a new scooter lists a motor at 2,000W peak but only 1,000W continuous, the 50 mph claim is likely achieved only in a downhill sprint, not sustained highway cruising.

Example 2 — AliExpress AB17 36V 375Wh, “45‑mile” range

Battery math is straightforward: 375 Wh divided by typical e‑bike energy use gives range. Typical urban pedal‑assist consumption is 10–30 Wh/mi depending on rider effort, terrain, and speed.

At 10 Wh/mi: 375 Wh → 37.5 miles (optimistic, heavy pedaling)
At 15 Wh/mi: 375 Wh → 25 miles (realistic mixed use with pedal assist)
At 25 Wh/mi: 375 Wh → 15 miles (higher speeds or heavier rider)

So a pure electric “up to 25 miles” number is plausible. “Up to 45 miles” requires substantial pedaling or ideal conditions. That $231 listing might be honest about specs, but the range claim is conditional and likely overstated for an untrained buyer expecting electric‑only distances.

Pre‑Purchase Spec Verification Checklist

Before you click buy, run this checklist. It separates sellers who publish usable data from those who market dreams.

Ask for the continuous motor rating and sustained current (amps). Peak watts are meaningless without continuous figures.
Request battery details: nominal voltage, Ah, cell type (18650/21700/LFP), cell manufacturer, and stated usable Wh.
Get the controller specs: maximum phase current and voltage. That tells you if the motor can actually put out continuous power.
Demand test protocols: how was range measured? Flat course? Rider weight? Assist level? Ambient temperature?
Search for independent tests: YouTube GPS‑verified top speed runs, Reddit range logs, or third‑party dyno graphs. If none exist for a new model, be skeptical. Start with CES coverage and community test logs like those aggregated in CES roundups.
Check legal class and compliance: e‑bike class limits (US/EU) and local vehicle registration rules. A 50 mph scooter may be a motorcycle legally — check evolving compliance and regulatory updates that affect registration and rider requirements.
Warranty and returns: cheap listings often have no local support. Confirm warranty service and battery replacement options — see buyer guides for marketplace risks like refurbished and cross‑border purchases.

How to Run Real World Tests — Step‑by‑Step Protocols

Want to verify claims yourself (or know what to ask a test rider to do)? Use controlled, repeatable protocols.

Top Speed Test — Repeatable Protocol

Fully charge battery and note state of charge (SOC).
Pick a flat, straight, legal road with two‑lane shoulders. Use safety gear and a passenger if needed for spotter duties.
Weigh the rider and cargo. Repeat tests at a standardized payload (e.g., 80 kg rider + 5 kg gear).
Warm the motor and battery with a short ride before testing.
Run at full throttle and use a high‑accuracy GPS device (Garmin Edge or a smartphone app with WAAS enabled). Run in both directions and average to negate wind effects.
Record ambient temp, wind speed/direction, tire pressure, and battery SOC at run start.
Repeat three runs and report the average top speed and the sustainable speed (how long you can hold it before the controller cuts power or the battery voltage sags).

Range Test — Controlled Procedure

Fully charge and measure charge energy from the wall with a kilowatt‑hour meter (this gets real Wh including charger inefficiencies).
Set a route with mixed urban and suburban turns, record distance using GPS, and choose a fixed assist level or “eco”/“standard” mode for reproducibility.
Standardize rider weight and stop/start behavior (e.g., make lights and stops consistent).
Ride until the system reaches the cutoff or the battery reads 0% and repeat twice to average.
Calculate Wh/mi = (measured charge Wh delivered to battery) / miles ridden. Multiply by battery nominal Wh to estimate theoretical range.

Tools & Apps Worth Carrying

GPS speed logger (Garmin/Strava/Komoot) for verified speed and distance.
Inline watt‑hour meter for charging (Kill‑A‑Watt style) to measure delivered energy.
Multimeter and Bluetooth BMS readers (for enthusiasts) to see real voltage and current graphs.
Tire pressure gauge, scale for rider weight, and smartphone weather app to log conditions.

Interpreting Test Results — What to Watch For

After testing, ask these questions:

Is the top speed sustainable? If it’s a 50 mph spike that collapses in 10 seconds, it’s not practical for commuting or safe riding.
What was the Wh/mi? Compare that to claimed range. If measured Wh/mi × nominal Wh ≠ claimed range, the claim was optimistic.
How did performance change with SOC? Significant voltage sag under load implies weak battery cells or undersized wiring/BMS.
Did the controller limit power? Some units have conservative firmware that limits speed when battery temp or voltage dips.

Legal, Safety, and Practical Considerations

There’s more than bragging rights at stake. Buying a machine that exceeds local speed class affects insurance, helmet laws, and where you can legally ride. A 50 mph scooter might require motorcycle licensing in many jurisdictions. Cheap imports may lack proper braking specs, lights, or homologation. Always verify certification if you need it for registration.

Red Flags When Comparing Online Deals

Vague specs: no continuous power figure, no cell type, or inconsistent Wh math.
Too good to be true pricing without local warranty or visible reviews.
Photos that reuse the same images across multiple listings.
Claims that ignore regulations: “legal everywhere at 50 mph” is a red flag.
No independent reviews or users reporting measured tests.

Case Study: VMAX at CES vs Marketplace Listings

At CES 2026, VMAX’s VX6 generated headlines for its 50 mph claim. VMAX has a track record in Europe and proprietary testing labs; that gives the claim more weight. But even established brands use “up to” language. Contrast that with an AliExpress AB17 listing where the specs are numeric but lack test methodology and local support. The lesson: brand pedigree, published continuous specs, and independent verification matter more than the headline top speed or “up to” range number.

“A headline speed is a marketing metric; usable speed and range are engineering metrics. Verify with math, then verify on the road.” — Trusted gearhead advisor

Actionable Buyer Tips — Final Checklist Before Purchase

Compare continuous motor and controller specs, not just peak power.
Calculate expected range: Battery Wh ÷ expected Wh/mi = realistic miles.
Request or find independent GPS top speed tests and Wh/mi logs.
Confirm legal class and registration requirements for your region.
Insist on warranty, clear return policy, and local service options.
If buying sight unseen, pay via a platform that offers buyer protection and keep documentation.

Future Predictions — What Buyers Should Expect in 2026 and Beyond

As 2026 progresses, expect more aggressive performance claims at trade shows and cheaper high‑powered imports. But buyers will benefit from better community testing: more YouTube dyno runs, verified GPS logs shared on Reddit and specialized forums, and third‑party labs offering independent verification for a fee. Regulatory scrutiny will also increase for high‑speed micro‑mobility vehicles — which means more transparency and required certification for brands that want to sell in regulated markets.

Closing: Buy With Confidence — Verify First, Then Ride

Headlines (50 mph! 45 miles for $231!) make for clickbait, but your commute, wallet, and safety deserve measurable facts. Use the spec verification tactics and test protocols above to cut through marketing spin. When you find a model that passes the math, the independent tests, and the legal checklist, you’ll know you’ve got a real product — not a press release.

Next steps: Download our printable pre‑purchase verification checklist, compare verified test logs for top sellers, or book a test ride with a local dealer. If you want, send us a spec sheet and we’ll walk through the numbers with you.

Call to action

Ready to avoid buyer’s remorse? Click to get the free verification checklist and see side‑by‑side verified test results for the latest scooters and e‑bikes — including the VMAX models shown at CES 2026 and top AliExpress contenders. Verify the claims, then buy with confidence.

Unknown

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.