The Segway Ninebot E3 Pro offers excellent value as a budget-friendly commuter scooter with modern features like elastomer suspension, customizable lighting, and integrated turn signals. Reviewed by EV News and a tech-focused site, it's praised for its portability and refined ride quality despite lacking a maximum speed limit. The scooter is lightweight and folds easily, but users note the battery range is modest. It's ideal for daily commuters and new riders but may not suit those needing extended range or speed control.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Segway Ninebot E3 Pro arrives in a compact cardboard box with clever packaging that allows one person to unpack and install the handlebars using provided screws and an Allen key. The scooter's magnesium-alloy frame is surprisingly lightweight at 39.5 pounds, yet durable enough to withstand testing at 100kg/220lbs. Reviewers from Tweaktown noted the frame's resilience under stress, with no bending or breaking observed even at top speeds. The aesthetic combines muted greys and blacks with vibrant red accents, giving it a sophisticated urban look. The 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires are designed for all-terrain riding, allowing the scooter to handle grass, concrete, dirt, and loose gravel without issues. According to the Segway LA website, the E3 Pro's dimensions are 1165 × 563 × 1235 mm when unfolded and 1235 × 564 × 445 mm when folded, making it suitable for urban commuters who need to store it in small spaces or carry it on public transportation.
Performance and Handling
The E3 Pro's 400W rear motor with 800W peak output delivers smooth acceleration, taking 4.29 seconds to reach 10 mph and 16.29 seconds to reach 19 mph according to Electric Scooter Guide. The trailing swing arm design provides exceptional stability at both low and high speeds, making it one of the safest scooters in its class. In hill climbing tests, the E3 Pro maintained 13 mph on steep inclines, which is impressive for a single-motor scooter at this price point. The elastomer suspension system in both front and rear absorbs shocks effectively, resulting in a notably smoother ride compared to other scooters in the same price range. However, the brake system consists of a front drum brake and electronic rear brake, which requires riders to lean back for optimal stopping power, as noted by Tweaktown's Jak Connor. The scooter's maximum speed is 20 mph, though the dashboard displays 25 mph, potentially causing confusion for users who need to comply with local speed limits.
Battery Life and Range
The E3 Pro features a 368 Wh battery pack with a 10.2 Ah capacity, offering up to 34 miles of range under ideal conditions. However, real-world testing reveals a significant discrepancy between advertised and actual range. Electric Scooter Guide reported that with a 200 lb rider at max speed, the scooter only achieved 10-12 miles, far below the advertised 35 miles. Tweaktown's review confirmed that the maximum range is 55 km (34.18 miles) in Eco mode but drops to approximately 40 km (25 miles) in Sport mode. The battery indicator lacks precision, causing confusion for users who rely on accurate readings. Segway LA's specifications list a range of 17.5 miles (28 km) in SPORT mode, 25 miles (40 km) in DRIVE mode, and 34 miles (55 km) in ECO mode. Users have reported that the battery drains quickly during high-speed riding or when using Sport mode, leading to frequent recharging needs and potential inconvenience for daily commuters.
Smart Features and App Integration
The E3 Pro integrates Apple's Find My technology and Guard Mode for anti-theft protection, which are notable additions for urban commuters. The Segway Mobility app is required for full functionality, including firmware updates, traction control adjustments, and unlocking the scooter's top speed. According to Segway LA, the app supports SegRide stability system and TCS (Traction Control System) for enhanced control during high-speed rides and sharp turns. The scooter includes a 256-color underdeck lighting system with customizable patterns, and high-mounted turn signals built into the grips. However, some reviewers noted that the app's interface can be clunky, with firmware updates showing progress bars that don't update properly. The dashboard display is brighter and easier to read in direct sunlight, but the lack of a maximum speed setting means users must manually monitor their speed to comply with local regulations, particularly in areas where e-scooters are limited to 20 km/h.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The E3 Pro's elastomer suspension system provides a comfortable ride, especially on longer commutes. Tweaktown's Jak Connor praised the smoothness of the suspension, noting that it keeps riders comfortable and refreshed instead of beaten up by road chatter. The deck size is 19 inches long and 6 inches wide, with usable space up to 30 inches with the fender. The handlebars are 22 inches wide and 40 inches high, offering a compact yet sturdy setup. However, the lack of a proper kicktail means riders must rest their rear foot on the fender, which can affect stability. The scooter's trailing swing arm design contributes to its stability, but some reviewers noted that the brake system requires leaning back, which can be uncomfortable for extended rides. The 10-inch tubeless tires offer better grip and control, even on less-than-perfect roads, making it suitable for urban environments.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the E3 Pro has several shortcomings that could deter potential buyers. The most significant issue is the lack of a maximum speed setting, which can lead to unintentional speeding violations, particularly in areas where e-scooters are limited to 20 km/h. The real-world range is significantly less than advertised, with most users experiencing only 10-12 miles of travel at full throttle, making it unsuitable for long-distance commuting. The brake system, while functional, is not as powerful as hydraulic alternatives and requires riders to lean back for optimal stopping power. Additionally, the battery indicator lacks precision, causing confusion for users who rely on accurate readings. The scooter's design also lacks a detachable battery, which is a common feature in higher-end models. Some reviewers noted that the app's interface can be clunky, with firmware updates showing progress bars that don't update properly, and the lack of rear turn signals is a missed opportunity for enhanced safety.
Who It's Best For
The Segway Ninebot E3 Pro is ideal for urban commuters who need a lightweight, portable scooter for short-to-medium daily rides. It's particularly well-suited for students looking for a reliable and safe way to get to class, as noted by Electric Scooter Guide. The scooter's stability, portability, and smart features make it a strong choice for beginner riders who value a forgiving acceleration curve and predictable throttle response. The E3 Pro's 34-mile range in Eco mode is sufficient for short commutes or school runs, but it's not built for long-distance riders or those chasing high performance. The scooter's compact design makes it easy to carry indoors or store in small spaces, and its magnesium-alloy frame ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight. However, it's not recommended for users who require maximum speed settings or those who frequently travel at high speeds, as the lack of a speed limit feature could lead to compliance issues.
Value at This Price
At a retail price of $699, the Segway Ninebot E3 Pro offers excellent value for money, particularly when compared to similar models in the same price bracket. The E3 Pro's feature set includes elastomer suspension, Apple Find My, customizable lighting, and turn signals, which are typically found in higher-end scooters. According to Freshly Charged, the E3 Pro feels like Segway's answer to the classic Ninebot Max, but updated for today's riders with more tech and comfort. The scooter's 400W motor with 800W peak output, 10-inch tubeless tires, and dual suspension system provide a refined riding experience that surpasses many budget options. However, the real-world range is significantly less than advertised, and the lack of a maximum speed setting may be a dealbreaker for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the E3 Pro's combination of features, build quality, and portability makes it a strong contender in the entry-level commuter scooter market, especially for those who prioritize comfort and smart connectivity over maximum range.
Strengths
- +Lightweight at 40 pounds, making it portable and easy to carry
- +Elastomer suspension in both front and rear for smoother ride comfort
- +Customizable 256-color underdeck lighting with speed-responsive patterns
- +Built-in turn signals integrated into handlebar grips for enhanced visibility
Watch-outs
- −No maximum speed limit setting, which can lead to unintentional speeding
- −Battery range limited to 34 miles under ideal conditions
How it compares
The Segway Ninebot E3 Pro is the lightest and most portable of the group, outperforming the Apollo Go and NIU KQi 300X in this regard. However, it lacks the hill-climbing strength of the GOTRAX G3 PLUS and Inmotion Climber, and its braking system is less robust than the NIU KQi 300X, making it ideal for portability but not maximum performance.
Who this is for
At a glance: New riders needing portability.
Why you’d buy the Segway Ninebot E3 Pro
- Lightweight at 40 pounds, making it portable and easy to carry.
- Elastomer suspension in both front and rear for smoother ride comfort.
- Customizable 256-color underdeck lighting with speed-responsive patterns.
Why you’d skip it
- No maximum speed limit setting, which can lead to unintentional speeding.
- Battery range limited to 34 miles under ideal conditions.
Rating sources
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
