The Segway Ninebot E2: A Commuter Scooter for the Family

The Segway Ninebot E2 is an affordable scooter, with excellent build quality and the backing of the biggest name in the scooter industry. A true definition of the casual commuter.

SEGWAY NINEBOT E2 – $369

Segway is one of, if not THE, most recognizable and trusted scooter brands on the planet, and they have a long history of making high-quality, reliable scooters at an extremely affordable price. 

For a scooter under $500, the E2 really raises the bar on value-to-cost ratio. The E2 and E2 Plus electric scooters exceed expectations with their remarkable Segway build quality, surprisingly comfortable ride quality, good range for the scooter’s weight, and feature set commonly seen in more mid-range scooters.

The ultra-affordable E2 stands out with its exceptional center display, offering a large, colorful, and readable interface uncommon in its price range. The complete lighting package, featuring a high-mounted 2.1 W headlight and an IPX4 water resistance rating, adds to its appeal, even rivaling some pricier scooters.

Who Is This Scooter For?

The E2 scooter is highly recommended for casual city riders or individuals residing in areas with flat and well-maintained roads. It is particularly well-suited for younger riders, typically in middle school to high school, who want a quick and easy mode of transportation to and from school or a way to meet up with friends without incurring hefty costs.

College students also find the E2 to be a perfect fit, especially for navigating campus life. Its compact size and 33-pound weight makes this scooter really reasonable to carry around and allow students to potentially bring it into class, eliminating the need to lock it up outside.

Additionally, last-mile commuters with short rides to work or those who rely on buses or trains to complete their commute can efficiently use the E2. Featuring a top speed that instills confidence in both new riders and parents, the E2 is ideal for individuals navigating crowded areas or adhering to speed restrictions as on campus grounds.

SEGWAY NINEBOT E2 Specs

Our Full Video Review

SEGWAY NINEBOT E2: Performance

Top Speed

Real-world testing of the scooter in a two-directional speed run with data captured on pro-grade tools and a 165 lbs rider gave us a leisurely top speed of 12.5 mph, that’s actually higher than the manufacturer-advertised 12.4 mph.

If you need control over your speed, you can customize the scooter’s speed by choosing between the three riding modes: Walk mode, which caps the speed at 3.1 mph; Standard, which goes to 9.3 mph; and a Sport mode, which allows the scooter to ride to top speed.​​

“Younger riders should find it plenty fast and parents can feel confident that their teen isn’t traveling at a dangerously high speed.”

For riders looking for a little more on the top speed end, the E2 Plus has an advertised top speed of 15.5 mph. And while we haven’t tested it yet, based on our time with the E2, we’re confident that it comes fairly close.

Range

The SEGWAY NINEBOT E2 electric scooter’s 220 Wh gave us 10.3 miles of range, ridden at top speed on our hilly ESG range test course. This amount of range is perfect for those riding to school or around campus.

Braking

The E2 is equipped with a dual braking system comprising a front electronic brake and a rear drum brake. The setup gives the Ninebot E2 electric scooter a braking distance of 20.5 ft from its top speed of 12.5 mph.

Hill Climb

Despite being a budget single-motor scooter, it did better than these other sub $500 scooters: Fluid Freeride Cityrider at 34.3 seconds, Gotrax XR at 34.4 seconds, Ninebot ES2 at 36.9 seconds, and the seated Gotrax Flex with larger wheels that lags completely behind at 37.4 seconds.

From a standstill, the E2 climbed our 200 ft, 10% hill in 31 seconds at an average speed of 4.5 mph. 

Ride Quality

The scooter feels nimble, comfortable, and easy to handle, thus adding to the fun. The handlebars don’t feel too low at 38 inches, and you have plenty of space for your hands and arms in the cockpit.

The riding platform, measuring 18.5 inches x 5.8 inches, is sufficiently spacious even for larger feet and provides a bit of flexibility in terms of foot positioning. The rubber deck coating runs all the way up to the top of the platform making for a sleek, coherent look and grippy surface.

The 8-inch tires are hollow on the inside, offering a bit of extra shock absorption compared to normal solid tires while keeping the scooter portable and low maintenance. No worrying about flats ruining your ride.

The smaller wheels and non-pneumatic tires do mean that the ride can be a bit rough in poor conditions, but this is not uncommon at this price. However, navigating potholes becomes significantly more manageable given the scooter’s operating speeds.

SEGWAY NINEBOT E2: Design, Build & Reliability

Ranked #2 on our Reliability Index with an impressive score of 8.9, the E2 Plus shares similarities with the E2, ensuring comparable reliability. Segway’s readily available spare parts on their site provide added assurance. The E2, like other Ninebot scooters, comes with a 1-year limited warranty, covering certain components for 6 months and wear parts for 90 days.

The battery’s robust design is evident in its higher IPX6 rating for water protection and Segway’s proprietary Smart Battery Management Protection, safeguarding against various issues. The scooter folds quickly and securely, with a double safety catch for added reliability. The adjustable latch ensures a secure fit, eliminating any stem wiggle or play.

The E2’s cockpit features a standout center display with a 25° screen tilt angle, providing visibility even in direct sunlight. Bluetooth integration allows connectivity with the Segway Ninebot App, offering customization options, trip management, firmware upgrades, and more. Low-maintenance features, including hollowed solid tires and drum and electric brakes, coupled with Segway’s renowned build quality, ensure long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep.

This is not just a beautiful electric scooter, but it is solidly built. While it’s quite light at 33 pounds, this doesn’t compromise on build quality with a strong metal stem latch and automotive-grade steel frame that feels super stable and durable. Our reviewer Mitchell weighs above the recommended 200 lbs rider weight capacity, but he said he felt that the scooter’s sturdy frame adequately supported his weight during our testing.

SEGEWAY NINEBOT E2: Is It Worth It? Our Verdict

Is the SEGWAY NINEBOT E2 the ideal scooter for you and your family? With its budget-friendly nature, high-quality build, easy maneuverability, compactness, and the reputable SEGWAY brand backing it, this electric scooter proves to be a reliable choice.

“It’s a compact scooter that shouldn’t have any issues fitting in the trunk of a car, in fact you could probably fit a couple in a normal sedan trunk. And for the price, why not just buy a whole fleet for the family? You could probably fit everyone plus all the scooters into your average sedan.”

The E2 is a sleek, modernized, lightweight electric scooter at a great price and is a serious contender in the entry-level category. Anyone needing a reliable commuter for getting to school or work and is on a tight budget or wants to give a high-quality scooter a try without a huge monetary commitment should consider the Segway Ninebot E2. The Plus model boosts the top speed and offers a couple of extra features, and it could be worth the extra $50, especially if top speed is a concern for you.