Favoured for their comfort, all-around usability and size by bridging the gap between conventional scooters and motorcycles, the maxi scooter still proves to be a popular choice for riders going into the new year.

But with so many to choose from and offerings coming from a range of manufacturers and key players, the market can be daunting and leave you wondering where to begin, which is why we’ve compiled our list of the ten best for 2026!

Kicking things off in France, we have the Peugeot XP400 GT in tenth, a crossover adventure-style scoot with some genuine off-road capabilities.

Somewhat unusually in 2026, the XP400 is actually made in France and comes with a 400cc single cylinder producing 36.7hp and 38.1nm of torque, dispatching it to a reasonable, but not groundbreaking, 85mph.

Top speed and power aren’t the whole picture on the Peugeot, however, as it comes with an unusually large (for a scooter) 17-inch spoked front wheel alongside a 15-inch rear wrapped in Pirelli trail tyres with chunky 41mm upside-down forks supplying 140mm of travel.

Braking is also covered well, bringing the 231kg mass to a stop by dual 295mm front discs and a 240mm rear with ABS.

Tech and storage are also reasonable, with enough space for a full-face helmet under the seat, a 5-inch TFT with i-Connect technology, keyless ignition and LED lighting all around.

Ninth place leads us to the Kymco AK575 Premium, an evolution of the popular AK550 we previously reviewed, but now with a 575cc engine and Kymco themselves stating it’s “safer, smoother and more comfortable than ever before”.

With 52hp and 56.4nm of torque on tap, the Kymco certainly has a good bit more punch than the Peugeot we just mentioned and only 9kg extra mass too, which makes the power difference seem even more stark.

It’s not just about the power on the Kymco, though, as comfort and tech also play a bit part in its appeal. Coming equipped with cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, an electronic throttle and an adjustable windscreen all as standard, the AK575 is already sounding like a great machine for the distance.

Add on a wide, low seat with a little backrest, enough storage for a full-face helmet and a relaxed riding position, and it shapes up to be a top choice in 2026.

Eighth place goes to one of the lighter maxis on our list today, it’s the Piaggio Beverly S 400!

At just 195kg fully fuelled, the Piaggio also manages to make 35hp, similar to the Peugeot, despite being a massive 36kg lighter.

Whilst it does opt for a more basic LCD dash versus a premium TFT, it’s large enough at 5.5 inches, clear and easy to see and gains Piaggio MIA connectivity via Bluetooth for calls, music and key data directly from the handlebar.

The Beverly also gains traction control, full LED lighting, keyless ignition and large 16 and 14-inch wheels paired with adjustable Showa suspension for dynamic handling and excellent ride comfort. Whether you’re cutting through the city or travelling to the next National Park, the Beverly proves a brilliant choice.

Bringing us down the list to seventh place, we find the Sym Joymax Z+ 300, an updated version of the popular Joymax Z launched in 2018, but now with more tech and features.

Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, the Joymax doesn’t skimp on its equipment. Featuring traction control, Quick Charge 3.0, LED lighting and enough space for two helmets, it already sounds appealing, but add on its low 185kg kerb weight, and it makes for a tempting buy.

Power comes from a 278cc single-cylinder engine producing 25.6hp with 26.2nm of torque, so not a lot of power, but remember this is a lightweight maxi, so the power-to-weight ratio should still be reasonable and with that low weight comes great handling.

If you’re after a maxi in size but not weight with great handling and an affordable price tag, the Joymax Z+ 300 could be the ideal machine for you.

In sixth place is the Yamaha TMAX Tech MAX, an A2‑friendly maxi scooter that sits firmly at the premium end of the market with plenty of kit, all as standard.

It uses a 562cc twin cylinder engine producing 47hp, which puts it behind some rivals on outright numbers, but it is well regarded for its smooth delivery and balanced feel. At 221kg, it is not especially light, though the layout aims to keep the weight central to improve stability.

The Tech MAX is also one of the better-equipped scooters here. A 7‑inch TFT with Garmin navigation comes as standard, along with heated grips, a heated seat, cruise control, traction control, keyless ignition and an electric screen.

Storage is also practical with space for a full‑face helmet, and the overall finish is in line with Yamaha’s reputation for solid build quality.

It is one of the more expensive options in this list, but for riders who want a comfortable, well‑specced maxi scooter from a brand with a proven track record, the TMAX Tech MAX remains an appealing choice.

Taking fifth place is the Suzuki Burgman 400, a BikeMatters tried and tested!

Powering the Burgman is a 400cc single‑cylinder engine, producing 29hp, placing it below some of the more powerful options here, but the Burgman focuses more on smoothness and efficiency than outright performance. At 218kg, it’s heavy but sits in the middle of the class for weight, with a low seat height and balanced stance that makes it easy to manage at low speeds.

The Burgman has always leaned toward comfort, and the current version continues that trend with a spacious seat, generous legroom and a large screen for wind protection. Underseat storage is one of its strong points, offering room for a full‑face helmet plus extras, with two glove boxes adding even more practicality.

The dash is simple but clear, and you still get traction control and Suzuki’s Easy Start system as standard, giving the Burgman a good blend of convenience and reliability.

It may not be the most feature‑packed scooter in this list, but its mix of comfort, storage and proven dependability maintains the Burgman 400 as a solid option for commuting and longer journeys alike.

The Italjet Dragster 459 takes fourth place and is easily the most unconventional machine in the list…

It uses a 449cc parallel‑twin making a claimed 48hp and comes with Italjet’s SmartShift semi‑automatic gearbox, which allows either fully automatic riding or manual button‑shifts on the left switchgear.

It immediately feels more like a small motorcycle than a maxi scooter thanks to its trellis frame, chain drive and mid‑set footpegs, all of which give it a much more purposeful layout than the usual step‑through design.

Suspension is another key part of its design, with fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and a rear shock that uses Italjet’s ISAS system. It’s a MotoGP‑inspired setup that lets you adjust the stiffness of the rear end to suit everything from city riding to quicker weekend runs, giving the Dragster a more focused feel than the usual maxi layout. The aggressive styling, winglets and twin underseat exhausts add to the overall attitude, but that comes with compromises, as there’s no meaningful underseat storage, and comfort sits well behind the touring-oriented options above it.

It won’t suit riders looking for a traditional maxi scooter, but if you want something compact, sharp and noticeably more motorcycle‑leaning, the Dragster 459 offers a very different angle on the category.

Third place goes to the Zontes ZT368T‑G, an adventure style maxi scooter that offers a lot of performance and equipment, despite its very reasonable price.

Being powered by a 368cc single‑cylinder engine producing 38.8hp and 40nm of torque, it is one of the stronger options in this part of the market. With a 203kg kerb weight and a large 17.5‑litre fuel tank, it’s also geared towards riders who want to cover longer distances without constant stops.

The chassis is more adventure‑focused than most scooters here. It runs a 17‑inch front wheel and 14‑inch rear on cross‑spoked rims, and the suspension travel is generous for this class.

Up front are 41mm adjustable forks, while the rear uses twin gas‑charged shocks with separate reservoirs, giving it a bit more confidence on rougher roads or light off‑road tracks. A 300mm front disc with a J.Juan radial caliper handles braking, and the rear ABS can be switched off when needed.

It comes with a strong equipment list too, including a TFT display, dashcams, tyre‑pressure monitoring, traction control and heated grips, plus many more features. For riders after a maxi that can comfortably deal with mixed surfaces on a sensible budget, the ZT368T‑G is well worth considering.

Second place goes to the BMW C 400 GT, a mid‑size scooter aimed at riders who value comfort and a strong set of features for everyday use.

It’s powered by a 350cc single‑cylinder engine making 34hp, which is enough for steady A‑road cruising as well as city riding. At 219kg, it isn’t the lightest option, but the 765mm seat height keeps it manageable at low speeds, and the 12.8‑litre tank gives it a sensible range for regular commuting.

The tech on offer is a clear step up from most mid‑capacity scooters. A 6.5‑inch TFT comes as standard, with the option of BMW’s larger 10.25‑inch display depending on trim, with full connectivity built in for navigation and rider info.

Safety equipment is strong too, with cornering ABS, Dynamic Traction Control and engine drag control all included as standard. The storage is practical under the seat, and the GT‑style screen and bodywork offer good wind protection for longer rides.

It sits at the premium end of the bracket, but for riders wanting a refined, well‑equipped scooter with a solid feature set, the C 400 GT is one of the most rounded choices here.

Taking the top spot on today’s list is the Honda Forza 750, a flagship maxi built around the popular 745cc parallel twin paired with Honda’s dual‑clutch transmission, giving the choice of automatic riding or manual button‑shifts.

Despite being one of the heavier scooters here at 236kg (similar to the AK575), the 790mm seat height and well‑balanced layout make it straightforward in everyday use, and the 13.2‑litre tank gives it good range for mixed riding.

The Forza uses 41mm upside‑down forks at the front and a monoshock working through a Pro‑Link swingarm at the rear, both with 120mm of travel, giving it a stable and predictable feel on a variety of roads.

Braking comes from twin 310mm front discs, and the fairing and screen provide solid wind protection. Tech and equipment are generous, with a TFT display, connectivity features, traction control, cruise control, keyless start, and full LED lighting all included.

There is space under the seat for a helmet, although it isn’t as roomy as some of the more touring‑focused options in the list. What really puts the Forza ahead is its build quality and Honda’s long‑standing reputation for reliability, making it a strong long‑term choice.

Hopefully, this list has been helpful for you and highlighted some of the wide variety within the world of maxi scooters. Whether you want something for touring, performance riding, a bit of off-road fun or commuting, there is something here for everyone.

If you’ve seen something that tempts you, or even if you have a maxi of your own at home, don’t forget about insurance. Head to Lexham Insurance to get your scooter insurance quote direct today!