HX X8

Real alternative to Xiaomi scooters

The HX X8 is an electric scooter of the KIXIN model series. This scooter belongs to the excellent price/performance ratio category and deserves recognition and attention for several reasons. It offers a removable battery installed directly on the steering rod, thanks to which it is also resistant to splashing water (IP54). Similarly to its “colleague” – the X7 model, it convinced us by its three brakes, electric one at the front, mechanical disc brake at the back, plus a classic foot brake. It features bigger 10-inch, air-filled wheels that contribute to comfort and a pleasant riding experience, although due to its low price the scooter is not equipped with any suspension.

Given its weight, it no longer belongs to the category of ultra-light scooters. However, at 17 kg it remains very compact and easy to carry. In other words, it was created for practical everyday urban lifestyle. Thanks to its range of 40 km and top speed of 25 km/h, we classify it among scooters mostly suitable for medium-long city trips. In terms of prices, the X7 and H8 models are comparable to Xiaomi scooters. However, they offer better technical specs than Xiaomi products and, especially, larger wheels – up to 10 inches that make riding incomparably more comfortable than the competing Xiaomi models.

Use and practicality

This model is suitable for medium-long city trips and we recommend it for distances of about 20 km daily. The range stated by the manufacturer may be very decent 40 km, however it is influenced by multiple factors, such as road condition, inclination, rider’s weight and, last but not least, his/her riding style. We should keep in mind that fully discharging the battery has a significant negative impact shortening its serviceable life. Thanks to the practical design in the form of a battery installed directly on the steering rod and its easy removal, the range can be extend whenever needed. How come? Simple. All you have to do is to get a second battery and take it with you fully charged in a backpack as it only takes a few seconds to have it swapped, no skills of a service technician required. This is not possible to do with Xiaomi scooters. You can easily, quickly and, most importantly, intuitively fold the entire scooter and unfold it back in a few seconds time. Thanks to its low weight, you can carry it up the stairs without troubles or load it into a car or a tram. You will appreciate its compact dimensions once you fully fold the scooter, being able to take it with you to the office or restaurant where it will not bother anybody, which means you won’t have to leave it locked in the street. You can also easily fit it inside the trunk of a regular car with enough space left for other necessary luggage. When it comes to “practicality”, it is certainly necessary to mention that as one of few scooters it is resistant to splashing water from any direction, which was made possible by the already mentioned clever placement of the battery on the steering rod. Meaning, in case of wet roads or light rain, you do not have to leave it at home and be left at the city’s mercy without your favorite transport means.

Range, performance and safety

The HX X8 electric scooter is supplied with 36 V and 10 Ah battery, corresponding to 360 Wh of stored energy, and is capable of a 40 km range per single charge that takes 6 hours. We should not forget that this range depends on circumstances that definitely include road condition, inclination, rider weight and, naturally, his/her riding style. That is why we would rather rely on trips not exceeding 20 kilometers. The scooter is driven by a motor installed directly in the front wheel’s hub, delivering maximum 350 W power, which is plenty enough for normal riding around a larger city. Since this model features as many as three brakes, you will definitely not have to worry about not being able to stop your scooter safely. Contributing to reliable riding are the electric brake at the front, mechanical disc brake at the rear and also the classic foot brake. With this model, you do not have to worry about wet roads or light rain as the scooter is resistant to splashing water coming from any direction. However, it remains true that one needs to drive carefully. The road in front of you is clearly visible thanks to the scooter’s lighting system. At the same time, you are properly visible to other road users. It features larger 10-inch, air-filled wheels, which is why we recommend avoiding large potholes to prevent a flat tire. At first, the air-filled wheels might seem this scooter’s weakness. However, the opposite is true as they represent an effective and reliable solution compensating for the lacking suspension. These 10-inch wheels are a big advantage compared to Xiaomi models that only offer 8.5-inch wheels.

Comfort and design

The scooter is made in traditional black finish. This manufacturer’s models look very simple, lightweight and sleek. The cabling is only visible in one small area and might not be noticed at all by less attentive onlookers. As a result, they might even think this is an “ordinary non-electric” scooter. The rear fender not only looks functional but it is precisely what it is. You can definitely throw away any fear of your pants or calves (in case of women) getting muddy while riding. The design of the folding mechanism matches the rest of the scooter body and looks very clean and not too complicated. This model offers 10-inch, air-filled wheels that make riding the scooter very comfortable, markedly compensating for the missing suspension. They help filtering out vibrations and bumps. However, you should rather go around any large potholes to avoid getting a flat front or rear tire. The elegantly thin step-on board is an interesting feature with this model, hinting the clean look of non-electric scooters since the battery is cleverly placed on the steering rod.

Our rating

You will use this scooter mostly in a city, large or small, where you will be able to simply and effortlessly carry it up the stairs or take it with you to the office or restaurant. Given its low price, this scooter has very much surprised us with its specs. Along with the X7 model, we consider it a better choice than Xiaomi models. This is an ideal scooter for those who are just starting with electric scooters and do not wish to invest too much money in their “scooter experiment”. The scooter’s main advantages definitely include resistance to splashing water, three different brakes, removable battery, 10-inch wheels and better range compared with X7. There is no other electric scooter brand in the world that can boast such an interesting functional combination. The scooter has a practical kickstand, thanks to which it can stand on its own. The maximum range of 40 km is quite sufficient for city trips. This said, should this range be insufficient, the problem can be solved elegantly by using a spare battery. We consider the absence of any suspension as a small disadvantage. Nevertheless, the 10-inch, air-filled wheels substitute the shock absorbers surprisingly well, which means that riding on a good surface is indistinguishable from models equipped with sprung 8-inch wheels. Needless to say, this is clearly the best alternative to Xiaomi for an urban environment, especially when you do not wish to invest any significant amount in purchasing a scooter.

Service

We are an authorized dealer of the KIXIN brand and we offer warranty and post-warranty servicing, which is provided at our service center. We keep spare parts in stock and we are a certified provider of warranty repairs. Therefore, when buying this scooter, you do not have to worry about servicing or unavailability of spare parts. Thanks to representing the manufacturer directly, we can handle difficult repairs or diagnostics.

About the brand

Standing behind the KIXIN brand is a stable Chinese company established in 2006 and presently managing more than 1 000 employees on the production area spanning 20 000 square meters. Its vision is to be a global leader in smart transportation industry. It focuses on improving life by offering very creative solutions, bringing its products closer to people and everyday use thanks to its affordable pricing policy. It exports to all countries of the world, including the entire European Union and the USA, and we are glad to see our country included. This manufacturer has its own Research and Development Department, which allows it not only to manufacture but also constantly innovate its products. The company has received ISO9001 and BSCI certification and its products are CE, RoHS and FCC certified.