The Segway Ninebot Max G3 is one of the latest electric scooters designed for urban commuters who want a powerful, feature-rich, and portable ride. This review covers everything from its impressive specifications to real-world performance tests, including speed, hill climbing, suspension, and smart features.

Class 2 and Class 3 Speed Modes

• Class 2 Mode: The scooter is shipped in Class 2, providing a maximum speed of 20 mph via a thumb or twist throttle.
• Class 3 Unlock: Users can unlock Class 3 mode to boost the max speed up to 28 mph, making it suitable for faster city rides.

Motor and Battery Specifications

• Motor: Equipped with a 48V 850W rear hub motor with a peak power output of 2,000W, delivering strong acceleration and hill climbing ability.
• Battery: The 48V, 12.44Ah battery boasts 597Wh capacity, promising up to 50 miles of range at a steady 10 mph. Charging time is 3.5 hours with an option for fast charging in 2.5 hours using a second charger.

Suspension and Tires

• Full Suspension: Features dual hydraulic shocks on both front and rear, adjustable for soft or hard settings, providing a smooth ride on bumpy city streets.
• Tires: 11 x 3-inch tubeless, self-sealing tires with a street tread pattern that balances grip and durability.

Braking System

• Two-piston mechanical disc brakes with 120mm rotors provide strong stopping power and reliable performance at all speeds.

Dimensions and Portability

• Length: 48 inches
• Handlebar Width: 23 inches
• Stem Length: 41.5 inches
• Deck: 23.5 inches long and 7.5 inches wide
• Weight: 54.2 lbs (manageable for carrying and folding)
• Collapsible stem and foldable design make it easy to carry, store, or take on public transport.

Full-Color High-Resolution Display

The scooter includes a bright, full-color display that shows speed, trip distance, battery range, mode selection, time, and headlight status clearly in all lighting conditions.

Advanced Control Panel

• Power button with password or app unlocking options
• Mode switcher for Walk, Eco, Drive, and Sport modes
• Turn signals with audible and visible alerts
• Headlight control with auto, on, and off settings
• Customizable button for emergency flashers, boost, or sound effects

Connectivity: Segway Mobility App

The app enhances the riding experience by enabling:

• Remote power on/off
• Navigation and route tracking
• Alarm and anti-theft lock functions
• Speed mode customization and energy recovery settings
• Charging scheduling and battery management
• Firmware updates for performance improvements

Air Lock System

A proximity-based locking system that automatically unlocks the scooter when the rider approaches with their connected smartphone, streamlining access and security.

Acceleration and Speed Tests

• Segway claims 0 to 15 mph acceleration in 2.4 seconds; in practice, a 225 lb rider achieved 15 mph in 4.2 to 4.5 seconds with and without boost.
• Top speed of 28 mph reached in approximately 17 to 22 seconds depending on boost use.
• Modes provide speed limits: 3 mph Walk, 10 mph Eco, 16 mph Drive, and 28 mph Sport.

Cruise Control Function

Allows riders to maintain a consistent speed without constant throttle input, enhancing comfort on longer rides.

Braking Distances

• 10 mph: 7 feet
• 16 mph: 16 feet
• 28 mph: 36 feet
  Braking felt smooth and secure with no skidding, instilling confidence at higher speeds.

Suspension and Handling

• Suspension effectively absorbs bumps and rough terrain found on urban streets and light off-road conditions.
• Wide tires contribute to excellent maneuverability, making it easy to weave through city traffic.
• The scooter remains stable during curb drops and uneven surfaces.

Hill Climbing

• Easily handles inclines up to 20° (the “Hill of Pain”) in sport and boost modes.
• Struggles to conquer 30° inclines (the “Hill of Doom”) especially with heavier riders and uneven terrain, only making it half way up the hill.

Off-Road and Sand Performance

• While not designed for extreme off-road use, the suspension and tires manage mild trails and park paths well.
• Sand is a limitation; the scooter sinks and cannot maintain momentum even in boost mode.

Portability and Storage

The lightweight frame and foldable design make it easy to transport on trains, buses, or cars, and store in tight spaces like offices or apartments.

Foot Size and Deck Comfort

• The deck comfortably fits a size 9 shoe with a foot lip for stability.
• Larger feet (sizes 11-13) may feel cramped, so potential buyers with large shoe sizes should consider deck size carefully.

Safety Features

• Multiple lights including adjustable headlights, turn signals, side lights, and brake lights improve visibility day and night.
• Audible turn signal alerts enhance rider awareness in traffic.
• The scooter includes a bell for pedestrian alerting but lacks a horn, which would be useful at higher speeds.

Security and Anti-Theft

• The built-in bike lock hook and app-controlled alarm system provide multiple layers of protection.
• Air lock proximity feature adds convenience and reduces theft risks.

Real-World Range Performance

While Segway advertises up to 50 miles at a constant 10 mph, real-world tests with aggressive riding, hills, and mixed modes yielded around 18 miles per charge. Battery percentage readings may lag or fluctuate, so using ride tracking apps like Strava can provide more accurate distance data.

Charging Convenience

The integrated charger simplifies the process—just plug in the scooter without an external charger. Fast charging reduces downtime for busy commuters.

Pros and Cons of the Segway Ninebot Max G3

Pros

• Strong motor power with 2,000W peak output
• Excellent suspension and ride comfort
• Full-color display with comprehensive info
• Advanced app integration and smart locking
• Bright, multi-directional lighting and turn signals
• Convenient foldable design and moderate weight for portability
• Effective braking system with good stopping distances
• Cruise control for relaxed riding

Cons

• Automatic park mode activates quickly, requiring brake engagement before accelerating
• Limited off-road ability, especially on sand and steep uneven hills
• Deck size may be tight for riders with large feet
• No built-in horn, which could enhance safety in traffic
• Real-world range can be less than manufacturer claims under mixed riding conditions

Conclusion: Is the Segway Ninebot Max G3 Worth It?

The Segway Ninebot Max G3 is a premium urban commuter scooter that balances performance, tech, and portability. It excels in its power output, ride comfort, and smart features, making it an excellent choice for city dwellers seeking a reliable and stylish electric scooter. Though it’s not designed for extreme off-roading or very steep hills, it handles everyday terrain and commuting routes impressively.

For riders looking for a fast, feature-packed scooter with advanced security and app connectivity, the Max G3 delivers great value at its price point. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine short-distance rides with multi-modal transport like trains or buses.

If you prioritize a smooth ride, solid braking, and smart tech in a portable package, the Segway Ninebot Max G3 deserves serious consideration.