Are Segway E-Scooters Worth Buying? What you need to know

Almost everyone has seen a Segway, but most people don’t generally associate the brand with e-scooters first.

We think that’s set to change. After merging with Beijing based manufacturer Ninebot in 2015, Segway has been pushing out scooters that revolutionise the market, with every new model. Going forward into 2022, after discontinuing their iconic self-balancing scooter, the focus on regular e-scooters is even bigger.

From the first e-scooter designed specifically to meet EU German regulations, with the G30D, to the Ninebot Segway MAX, which has the longest range of any kick scooter on the market, the brand is making waves, and that doesn’t look set to stop as we roll into 2022 and beyond.

The Segway Scooter Range

Segway Ninebot Max

The Segway Max is the premium model in the range, and it really shows. Everything about the Max makes it a fantastic urban runner, that’s set to outperform almost anything else on the market right now.

Building on the established framework of a previous top e-scooter, the Xiaomi 365, performance is strong, with a decent 18mph, backed up by a seriously impressive 40-mile range, (essentially unbeatable by anything equivalent,) all delivered from a 350W motor that boasts zippy performance.

Rider weight is a decent 220lbs (100kg,) and the large deck and easy controls are comfortable and simple to understand. However, it’s worth pointing out that the scooter itself is large, and reasonably hard to transport when not under its own power.

The technology is equally solid, with an LCD display deck, front and rear lights, front and rear brakes, and Bluetooth linking. The Max is a great all-around design and looks set to be Segway’s flagship model profile for the next few years.

Air T15E

Built around portability and efficiency, the Air doesn’t have anywhere near the performance of the Max, but then, it was never supposed to.

Instead, it’s designed with the urban consumer in mind.

First off, it’s gorgeous. Sleek, with rounded designs and space-age angling, especially when it’s folded down into the compact travel package. Light, at just over 23lbs, it’s simple to carry, and small enough to strap to a pack when not in use.

The motor isn’t the most impressive we’ve seen, especially since it’s working in the constraints of size and cost, but Segway focused on what mattered here. It moves at a steady clip, with about 7 miles of range, in Segway’s own words, it’s perfect for finishing off your commute.

However, for a lighter motor, it climbs hills well and eats distance. Unfortunately, with UK laws being what they are, it’s hard to recommend the Air. Wait until parliament catches up with the rest of the world and passes a reasonable law regarding commuting with e-scooters, then pick one of these up.

Zing E8 and Zing E10

Designed for kids, the Zing range is genuinely impressive, packing the same level of care and attention to detail into their tiny, colourful frames like any other Segway scooter.

The Zing E8 is aimed at younger children, with three running modes that make it suitable for kids as younger as 6 with the low-speed safe mode, up to tweens with the fast and fun turbo mode.

Almost 40 minutes of running time, 8.7mph max speed, regenerative braking and more complete the package.

The E10 on the other hand is built for slightly older kids, with a sleeker, less colourful style ethos, a higher 10mph top speed, and bigger shocks and wheels.

Whoever you’re buying for, there’s a lot to love here.

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Why choose a Segway scooter?

Great performance

Across the board, Segway scooters are seriously impressive. Whether it’s industry leaders like the Max, or more simple kids models like the Zing range, everything is built to a high standard and offers powerful motors and high speeds.

Technology on everything

Segway love their technology, and their scooter range is no exception. Expect lights, Bluetooth linking, LCD displays, smart controls, the works.

Environmentally conscious and sound

Electric scooters are generally an environmentally conscious choice as is, but Segway goes the extra mile in making sure that everything they offer is world friendly, with zero emissions across the board.

Is there a reason not to buy Segway Ninebot scooters?

There are a couple of small issues with Segway scooters, but nothing that we would consider deal-breaking.

First, the scooters themselves are designed and primarily manufactured in China. We can see that being an issue for some people, especially if you’re looking for something that’s built closer to home, but in a global world, it’s just how things work now.

Second, and maybe slightly more realistically, while the Segway range is incredibly impressive, it’s also slightly dry. What we mean is that every single scooter in their range performs exceptionally well across the board, but there’s no flair. No life. If you want something with style, then Segway might not deliver.

Final thoughts

There’s a reason Segway scooters keep showing up in the top 10 lists. They’re genuinely great.

The Max is simply one of the best e-scooters out there right now, especially in terms of performance, and if we were buying something to use as a nippy little run around or for something more fun, we’d seriously consider buying one.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with anything out of the Segway Ninebot range. If you’re genuinely considering an e-scooter, it’s worth thinking why you haven’t already bought a Segway.