Yamaha electrifies the MAX family with the NMAX E
Yamaha has unveiled the NMAX E, a battery-electric version of its NMAX sport scooter for the A1 licence category, with performance equivalent to a 125cc model. Built on a new dedicated A1 EV platform, it is the first electric member of the MAX family, the scooter line Yamaha started 25 years ago with the original TMAX. Dealer deliveries begin in spring 2027.
The NMAX E was presented in Milan ahead of EICMA 2026, alongside the XENTER E high-wheel scooter. Both share the same powertrain, battery and charging system, but differ in chassis, wheel size and positioning. Where the XENTER E targets comfort on rough urban surfaces with 16-inch wheels, the NMAX E aims for sportier handling on 13-inch wheels.
eAxle powertrain
Power comes from Yamaha’s eAxle unit, which combines an air-cooled interior permanent magnet synchronous motor, the motor control unit and a primary reduction gearbox in one compact housing. It produces a peak of 7.5 kW at 3,500 rpm and 33.3 Nm of torque from 500 rpm. A belt drives the rear wheel. Yamaha has not published a top speed.
The drive unit is fixed to the frame rather than integrated into the swingarm, as on a petrol scooter. That frees up space for a conventional motorcycle-style swingarm, which Yamaha says weighs about a third less than a typical scooter rear suspension setup.
Battery and charging
The 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery is mounted to the frame under the front of the seat and the floorboards. It is not removable. Its L-shaped design keeps the mass low and close to the rider, and a metal plate underneath protects it from impacts. The pack meets standards equivalent to IP67 and is monitored by a battery management system. Claimed range is 104 km in the WMTC class 1 cycle, at a battery temperature of 25 °C.
The 800 W on-board charger fills the battery from 0 to 100 percent in 5.5 hours at 220 V. It uses fanless cooling for quiet operation. The charging port sits in the front compartment next to a USB Type-C socket and accepts AC Type 2 public car chargers. A dedicated cable allows charging from a household socket.
Yamaha is introducing YOU Charge at the same time, a public charging subscription sold through its dealers in cooperation with national charging network operators. The service starts in the first markets in early 2027, with the main European EV markets following during the year.
Chassis
The new backbone frame has a 1,425 mm wheelbase. With battery and drive unit placed centrally, Yamaha claims a weight distribution close to 50/50. Ground clearance is 135 mm and seat height is 770 mm.
Up front is a telescopic fork with 33 mm tubes, and the rear uses twin shock absorbers positioned beneath the rider’s hips. The model-specific 13-inch wheels carry a 110/70-13 front tyre and a 130/70-13 rear. Both wheels get a 245 mm disc with a single-piston caliper and ABS. Regenerative braking adapts to the selected ride mode and is tuned to feel like the engine braking of a combustion scooter.
Electronics and equipment
There are three ride modes. S delivers the strongest acceleration, T keeps similar performance with softer throttle response, and E reduces acceleration and top speed to maximise range. Traction control is standard, along with APSG, a throttle grip that gradually builds resistance for more feedback.
A reverse function is engaged by pressing the REVERSE button on the left handlebar and the MODE button on the right at the same time. The scooter then moves backwards at below walking pace without throttle input.
The 5-inch TFT display has day and night modes. It shows speed in the centre, smartphone status on the left, and battery level, remaining charge and regeneration on the right, with a moving needle that indicates acceleration and deceleration. The new Yamaha Motor On app adds turn-by-turn navigation, battery settings, maintenance schedules, parking location and a ride log. Smart key ignition is standard.
Styling and practicality
The NMAX E keeps the MAX family look, with minimalist dual light units front and rear, compact indicators and the boomerang-shaped side panels. The dual seat has stitched upholstery and an embossed logo. The illuminated underseat compartment fits a full-face helmet, depending on size and shape. Folding passenger footrests and an integrated grab handle are fitted. Accessories include adjustable levers, an apron, heated grips, handlebar muffs, a console bag, a 34-litre top case and a high screen.
Colours, price and availability
The NMAX E comes in Avio Blue with gloss silver boomerang accents, or Platinum Silver with a gloss black front section. Yamaha has not released official pricing and refers buyers to local distributors. Reports from the Milan press launch put the German price at 7,799 euro, identical to the XENTER E. The NMAX E arrives at Yamaha dealers from spring 2027.