Initially an Indiegogo project, the Segway Ninebot Max has got everybody talking recently
by Tudor Rus, on LISTEN 05:11The Segway Ninebot Max electric scooter is powered by a 350-watt e-motor and trumpets a maximum range of 40 miles. That’s quite impressive, but at the same time, the Ninebot Max is a rather large scooter with few folding options, which puts a dent in practicality. In fact, it could be more destined to e-scooter fleets than personal daily use, although if space is not a commodity for you, the Ninebot Max will not disappoint. Check out the review below to see if this is the e-scooter you’re looking for.
Segway Ninebot Max - Design
10-inch pneumatic, tubeless tires, no suspension, and a sturdy frame built tough. These are the main features of the Segway Ninebot Max from the construction standpoint. The handlebar, however, can’t be folded, which we believe is a downside as it puts a dent in practicality and limits your storing options. You can, however, fold the scooter from just above the front wheel, but you’ll still be limited by the e-scooter’s length of 45.9 inches. The Ninebot Max is also 18.6 inches wide and 47.4 inches high (21 inches when folded).
| Size | 45.9 in x 18.6 in x 47.4 in |
|---|---|
| Size (folded) | 45.9 in x 18.6 in x 21 in |
| Weight | 41.2 lb (18.7 kg) |
| Payload | 66.1-220.5 lb (30-100 kg) |
Visually, the Ninebot Max is on par with other e-scooters out there. It comes in a matte dark grey paint job with black wheels with brown-y trim. The looks are on par with most electric scooters in the $500+ price range, but in all fairness, the overall design looks neat and pretty modern. The Ninebot Max comes with built-in LED front lights, and it also features a rear LED brake light.
Segway Ninebot Max - Comfort and Practicality
Since it rides on pneumatic wheels, the Segway Ninebot Max should absorb most of the bumps without a fuss, although it doesn’t feature a suspension setup.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that the e-scooter itself is quite heavy (41.2 pounds or 18.7 kg), so moving it around isn’t the easiest task, but the same weight will allow for a planted ride, with lots of stability when on the move. Segway also says you’ll be able to zip over effortlessly over asphalt obstacles that are smaller than 0.4 inches (1 cm) and gaps under 1.2 inches (3 cm).
Segway Ninebot Max - Performance
The Ninebot Max is powered by a 350-watt electric motor. The max power rating is 800 watts, enough for the e-scooter to reach top speeds of 18.6 mph (30 km/h) when the S mode is engaged. The other two ride modes are Standard and Saving.
That, however, isn’t its main selling point. Segway claims the scooter can travel for up to 40 miles (65 km) on a single full battery charge, and while that’s encouraging, we feel the rating is also a tad too optimistic. So in real life situations, expect it to offer a max range of up to roughly 25, maybe 30 miles at best.
The battery pack’s capacity is rated at 551 watt-hours and it takes about six hours to fully charge it.
The cool thing, though, is that the e-scooter is fitted with a built-in power adapter located right in the board, which means you can charge it on the go with a small power cord instead of a full-length charging cable.
Segway says you’ll be able to climb 20-percent incline slopes, so that’s pretty impressive. You’ll also want to keep in mind that the e-scooter itself is quite heavy (42.1 pounds or 19.1 kg), so moving it around isn’t the easiest task. On the flip side, it can hold a max load of up to 220 pounds (100 kg), so you can easily squeeze in a bag or a large backpack of sorts on your e-scooter commute.
| Top speed | 18.6 mph (30 km/h) |
|---|---|
| Range | 40.4 mi (65 km) |
| Max slope incline | 20% |
| IP rating | IPX5 |
| Battery capacity | 551 Wh |
| E-motor | 350 W |
| Braking | Regenerative rear, mechanical drum front |
Segway Ninebot Max - Price
The Segway Ninebot Max electric scooter is available on Amazon for $799.
Final Thoughts
The average scooter rider travels between six and seven miles each day, according to Electric Scooter Guide. In this context, is it worth it to own a 40-mile e-scooter for personal use? Well, it depends on what you’re planning to do with it, but honestly, we’d rather get a lightweight scooter that’s also foldable in the detriment of better range.
That, however, doesn’t take away the fact that the Ninebot Max is an extremely competent e-scooter that’s ready to take you places. It’s sturdy, it has a hefty range, plenty of power, and riding it is comfortable, too. If you can get past its could-have-been-better practicality, then you won’t regret the acquisition.