I am going to start with full disclosure. I am a complete novice when it comes to scooters and have never been on an e-scooter. I’ve only been on an electric bike once! So, this review is written from my newbie point of view rather than an expert who has tested out earlier models.
I live in beautiful Lake Tekapo, on the South Island of New Zealand. So rather than an urban commuter, I’ve been out exploring my little town, running errands and generally having a whole lot of fun!
Unboxing
I excitedly unpackaged the Segway ninebot MAX G3 eKickScooter. It’s big! It’s heavy! Once out, the stem lifts and clicks into place and is secured by a lever which locks it. This is where collapses down again to be transported. I needed to feed the wires into the stem and secure the handle bar with screws before I used it.
I did have trouble finding the plug to charge it. It’s on the side below the platform – I needed to bend over a bit to see it. The bike charges in 3.5 hours so not long at all and I’ve not recharged it since I started using it! The battery last a very long time as I use mainly DRIVE mode.
One thing I loved is the QR code on one of the flaps of the box. It directed me to download the Segway Mobility app, which is where you can fully set the Segway up.
Design & Set Up
Oh my, this is a good-looking e-scooter. The design is sleek and if feels super sturdy.
When first plugged in to charge, a QR code appears on the screen. This helped pair my phone with the e-scooter as most of the set-up is through the app. It runs me through a Riding Safety Guide and then after downloading some new firmware, it is time to set up my new e-scooter!
I activate the Locking Function and add a unique passcode plus it’s best to also turn on the Abnormality Alert – so if the scooter is moved while locked, a loud alarm sounds. I also turn on Apple Find My as another precaution.
Finally, I turn on Traction Control System (TCS) as I knew I’d be using it on gravel and grass areas and wanted the extra stability.
How It Rides
I had to watch a YouTube video out the different speed modes as I realised I missed something when I could only go a max of 12km/hour and couldn’t make it up our steep driveway. I then realised I could toggle through the different modes (WALK, ECO, DRIVE, SPORT), depending on how fast I wanted the scooter to go. Across different terrain, my preferred mode was DRIVE which has a max speed of 20km/hour got me up the driveway and hills, no problems. On the road I tried out the SPORT mode which has a max speed of 25km/hour. Woah!
I’ve taken this beauty on grass, roads, bumpy footpaths and gravel – they’re all a breeze! The e-scooter handles itself so well and powers through any challenges I give it. I was off-road on large loose stones at one point during my adventures but it always felt safe and never skidded out from under me.
I accidentally left it in SPORTS mode after taking it on the main road and it took off on me quite fast after my gym workout so if you’re new to e-scooters, I recommend changing it back to ECO or DRIVE before setting off.
I use it often to drop off or pick up my daughter from school. The kids at school are mesmerised by it and ask lots of questions – I think Father Christmas will be overloaded with requests!
The Daily Addict Verdict
What are we Addicted to? This e-scooter has opened up a cool new world. I walk most places but it’s getting busier in my little tourist town so not having to jump in the car and find a carpark is fantastic.
What do we need to be more Addicted? A second Segway ninebot MAX G3 eKickScooter so I have someone to explore with!
Check out the range here at Segway Australia