NAVEE UT5 Ultra X Review: A 90-pound high-performance scooter built for speed

The NAVEE UT5 Ultra X is an incredibly solid, high-torque ride that prioritizes speed and stability over pillowy comfort. While the $2,499 asking price is steep, the scooter brings premium build quality to every aspect of the scooter and the overall experience. However, as a result, the scooter is a hefty 90 pounds. Frankly, that is inconvenient for moving around but acts as a massive benefit for ride safety, keeping the vehicle stable at top speeds. Impressively, even with the extra weight, the raw torque coming from the dual-drive system is substantial enough to lift the front wheel during hard acceleration. So, for riders chasing pure performance, absolute stability, and a max aesthetic, the NAVEE UT5 Ultra X is an incredibly fun and secure electric ride.

The NAVEE UT5 Ultra X is available through the NAVEE site and select premium e-mobility retailers for an MSRP of $2,499.00.

The NAVEE UT5 Ultra X is a commuter-oriented scooter aimed at those looking for speed and light off-roading capabilities. With an underlying build quality meant to handle higher speeds, uneven terrain, and rider security, the UT5 Ultra X rises to the challenge.

The unboxing process for the NAVEE UT5 Ultra X is straightforward. Everything except for the handlebars comes fully assembled straight out of the box, significantly reducing setup time. Additionally, the scooter features retail stickers on the components, indicating it is packaged ready for a showroom floor, which was interesting to see during the initial unpacking.

At 90 pounds, the NAVEE UT5 Ultra X has a substantial physical footprint. The weight makes it labor-intensive to fold or load into a standard vehicle trunk. However, this weight provides a functional benefit by ensuring stability at higher speeds. Considering that the scooter can indeed reach 43 MPH, the 90-pound frame mitigates frame deflection and speed wobbles, keeping the scooter planted on the road.

When it comes to looks, the chassis sports a gold, black, and red colorway. The gold finish provides a distinct appearance that literally turned heads during testing, deviating from the standard matte-black found on similar scooters. The deck is wide and surfaced with a high-friction material to secure footwear during cornering. A sloped tail section at the rear of the deck functions as a physical bracing point. Ultimately, the design is highly visible, meaning a rider should expect to draw attention when out and about.

This scooter is fast, and while it may not be the fastest one on the market, it is certainly capable of keeping up with most street traffic. True to the advertising, the scooter can reach speeds of 43 MPH, with testing confirming speeds of up to 44 MPH. As a result, it is essential that the body of the scooter can meet the demands of traveling at high speeds, which this scooter does. To begin, the adjustable hydraulic suspension system is calibrated with a stiff factory setting. This firmness eliminates unpredictable frame shifts but is soft enough to dampen and absorb potholes without destabilizing the center of gravity.

The dual-motor powertrain produces a steep torque curve. Applying full throttle from a slow roll is enough to lift the front wheel off the ground at any setting above eco mode. Unfortunately, this creates a bit of a learning curve, as the throttle has a dead zone at the beginning of its travel range, which complicates smooth acceleration from a complete stop in dense traffic. It's not as noticeable with practice, but there were a few instances of lurching forward during testing.

For controls, the handlebars include a 5-inch analog-style display that provides riding information clearly in direct sunlight. However, navigating the system is tedious. Switching between standard speed modes requires cycling through the options linearly or using the app. Also, engaging the boost mode requires holding the mode button sequence, which is sometimes difficult to get just right.

Between the top speed of 43 MPH and impressively fast acceleration, slowing a 90-pound vehicle requires substantial thermal and mechanical dissipation. Thankfully, the dual-disc hydraulic brakes worked well out of the box, with no question about stopping capability. The scooter also features an adjustable electronic regenerative braking system that can be set in the app. When the throttle is released, the electronic regeneration creates magnetic drag that rapidly reduces speed. This system can handle most routine deceleration, which can help preserve the disc brakes and return some extra power to the battery.

In the app, users have many customization options. Among the more notable options are the regen braking settings and lighting options, which we had set to full RGB, and the slide-to-lock feature. It would still be wise to have a physical lock, but the fact that the NAVEE included a remote lock and tracking feature in the scooter is just another part of the premium feature set. In practice, all of these features worked flawlessly, and that's not something that can be said about many mobility apps these days.

The NAVEE UT5 Ultra X is a premium scooter with solid hydraulic suspension, a wide, comfortable deck, and robust safety features that control a dual-motor powertrain effectively. While the initial throttle dead zone and mode controls could use some work at low speed, they adequately served their functions once we got used to them. Ultimately, the NAVEE UT5 Ultra X provides a secure and stable riding experience for those wanting a premium, high-speed ride.