High-speed e-scooter for off-road thrills — Ausom L2 Max reviewed

Ausom specializes in electric scooters, offering both road-approved and dedicated off-road models. The L2 Max, featured in this test, belongs to the latter category. Ausom provides various configurations in terms of power and voltage; the L2 Max is the entry-level version, operating at 48 volts.

A more powerful variant of the L2 is also available, equipped with dual motors—one per wheel. The test unit is not approved for road use in Germany. With a top speed of nearly 50 km/h, it exceeds the legal limit and is therefore restricted to use on private property.

The L2 Max arrives in a large cardboard box and requires minimal assembly. All necessary tools are included, along with illustrated instructions in multiple languages, including German. Setup involves just two main steps: securing the handlebars to the clamp using four screws, and attaching the display. All wiring is pre-installed.

After assembly, the brake levers should be adjusted for ergonomic use, although the required tool for this is not included. During unpacking, the scooter’s considerable weight of 30 kilograms is immediately noticeable. Its large dimensions also pose a challenge — even when folded, the L2 Max does not fit in the trunk of a compact SUV such as a Ford Kuga.

The Ausom L2 Max comes equipped with a full lighting setup. The front headlight is mounted directly on the mudguard, which makes it vulnerable to vibrations during rides. At the rear, a more conventional taillight design is used. In addition, the L2 Max includes turn indicators, though their visibility is limited—they can only be seen from the sides or at an angle from behind.

A notable visual feature is the ambient lighting integrated into the footboard. Two blue LED strips run along the foot area and remain illuminated whenever the scooter is powered on. The lighting color is fixed and cannot be adjusted.

The scooter includes a brake light function, but it does not offer a high beam.

Ausom does not provide a companion app for its scooters, and the L2 Max is no exception. As a result, there are no firmware updates or configuration options available via smartphone. Settings can only be accessed using a key combination directly on the scooter, though the menu system is cryptic and relies on numerical codes.

For security, the scooter can be locked using a numeric code or an NFC card. Without the correct input, the motor will not engage, though the scooter can still be manually pushed. As an additional theft deterrent, Ausom includes a concealed AirTag holder integrated into the handlebar.

Also located on the handlebar are a USB-A and a USB-C port, which can be used to charge external devices such as a smartphone.

As the Ausom L2 Max is not registered for public road use, all test rides took place on private property, primarily on loose surfaces. The route included well-maintained forest paths, root-covered single trails, and rougher terrain with coarse stones to evaluate off-road performance. The scooter also completed several laps in a bike park, though without any major jumps.

The L2 Max is a large scooter that offers ample foot space, allowing both feet to be placed side by side or one behind the other. The handlebar height is fixed, but it was well-suited to the 185 cm tall tester. The ergonomic fin-style grips also left a positive impression.

The throttle is positioned as a lever above the right brake lever—a somewhat unconventional design, but one that works well. Even after 20 kilometers of riding, there was no discomfort or finger fatigue. The long lever travel provides fine control over acceleration.

In use, the L2 Max impresses with excellent overall stability, reliable tracking, and well-balanced suspension. Suspension preload is adjustable, and the default setting was a good match for the 82 kilogram tester. The system delivers both comfort and playfulness, allowing for dynamic riding.

With deliberate weight shifts, it is possible to lift either the front or rear wheel to roll over obstacles or perform small wheelies. The L2 Max invites active riding and performs surprisingly well even on challenging terrain. The only limitation is the wheel size, which can occasionally lead to unsettling moments.

In deeper potholes, the handlebar may jerk abruptly, and in soft gravel, the front wheel can dig in quickly—raising the risk of tipping. Despite these caveats, the scooter remains very stable on forest paths, even at speeds between 40 and 50 km/h.

The Ausom L2 Max features three selectable riding modes: Eco, Sport, and Race. These modes affect throttle sensitivity and top speed, although the differences between them are relatively minor. In Eco mode, the scooter reaches up to 35 km/h. In Sport and Race modes, speeds range between 45 and 50 km/h, depending on surface conditions. Race mode responds slightly more aggressively to throttle input. The motor delivers a peak output of 1,000 watts.

Ausom promotes the presence of E-ABS, but this is not a true anti-lock braking system. Instead, it means that the motor contributes to braking the rear wheel when the front brake is activated. It is still possible to lock the wheels under heavy braking.

The L2 Max is equipped with mechanical disc brakes. Higher-end models from Ausom use hydraulic braking systems, but the mechanical setup on the L2 Max performs well. During testing, the brakes provided good feedback and sufficient stopping power, even at higher speeds. Compared to other test scooters, the L2 Max achieved noticeably shorter braking distances—but it also reaches higher speeds than most competitors.

While many scooters in this segment match the L2 Max in acceleration up to 20 km/h, they do not offer the same top speed or hill-climbing performance.

The Ausom L2 Max is equipped with a 998.4 Wh battery. The manufacturer claims a maximum range of 56 miles, or approximately 90 kilometers. In real-world testing, however, we were far from reaching that figure. During a demanding 20-kilometer test ride with continuous full throttle, loose surfaces, inclines, and single trails, the scooter consumed 641 Wh—indicating a realistic range of just over 30 kilometers under such conditions.

On firmer terrain and with a more conservative riding style, the L2 Max should be able to cover longer distances. The included charger delivers around 90 watts, which resulted in a charging time of more than 7 hours to replenish 621 Wh during the test.

One notable feature is the presence of two charging ports, allowing the scooter to be charged with two chargers simultaneously. This can significantly reduce charging times, although only one charger is included in the box.

The integrated USB-C port on the test unit failed to charge a connected Galaxy S24 Ultra. The USB-A port does function but provides only 5 watts of output when used with the same device.