the almost perfect electric scooter!

With the Ninebot ES2, Segway bets versatility. Marketed at 499 euros, this electric scooter has, on paper, more of a trump card. What about everyday? We were able to use the Ninebot ES2 for a few days. Here is our complete test!

The market for electric scooters is booming. Democratized in big cities, they have become one of the favorite means of travel for the French. In Paris, a rental service called “Lime” provides electric scooters throughout the city, in the manner of Velib.

Lime scooters, precisely, are models made in Segway, the Ninebot ES1. Ninebot, bought Segway, and Xiaomi is investing heavily in Ninebot. The excellent value for money is at the heart of the brand’s strategy.

With the Ninebot ES2, the manufacturer has made many improvements over the first model. The company worked particularly hard on safety including a less abrupt engine braking system and a complete set of lights to be clearly visible at night.

We were lucky enough to be able to test the Ninebot ES2 Segway for several days . Discover all our impressions.

Price and release date

The Segway Ninebot ES2 electric scooter is marketed at a suggested price of 499 euros . At the time of writing, we can buy it at around 300 euros from some retailers. At this price, it is undoubtedly the best quality-price ratio of the market.

Datasheet

	Segway Ninebot ES2
Price	€ 499
Weight	12.5 kg
Max Speed ​​	25 km / h
Brakes	Engine brake (handlebar control) + foot brake
Engine	300 W on the front wheel
Battery	5200 mAh
Recharge	0 to 100% in 3 hours
Autonomy	25 km (for a user of 70 kg on flat)
Security	2 reflectors at the front 1 reflector on the rear brake 1 headlight 2 lights (flashing during braking) at back 1 light (custom color) under the tray

Design and finishes

Right out of the box, the Ninebot ES2 Segway seems massive . After careful consideration, it is indeed a beautiful baby of 12.5 kg. Suffice to say that wearing under the arm on public transport will not be easy. Large and long, the scooter has the advantage of providing comfort not insignificant for large users. I measure 1.85m and I have plenty of room on the board to put my feet up. The handlebar is at the perfect height.

Segway seems to have bet a lot about security. The black scooter, particularly elegant, is equipped with multiple warning lights. At the front, a small lighthouse is activated by briefly pressing the start button. At the rear, a reflector partly covers the brake. On the front of the tray are two other reflectors. The icing on the cake: two light signals, located at the rear of the tray, flash as soon as one brakes.

The wheels are equipped with mudguards, the handlebar grips are very comfortable. The system to fold the scooter to carry is very simple. The crutch, located under the tray, is so discreet that I almost did not see it.

On the other hand, I could not miss the huge light coming from below the plateau. One can customize its color via the companion application (I will come back to it). It allows to be permanently visible, in addition to the lighthouse.

The small round screen located on the handlebar is quite basic. It displays the real-time speed, the selected driving mode and the battery indicator. A simple press on / off button activates the headlight. A double pressure makes it possible to switch to another mode of driving.

Overall, the design is very successful. The Ninebot ES2 is stylish, sturdy (I tried a few jumps on the sidewalks and she did not flinch) and Segway worked particularly hard on safety. And at night she throws it!

Speed, handling and safety

Segway announces a maximum speed of 25 km / h for a user weighing 70kg. I weigh 82kg. Unsurprisingly, I have never reached 25 km / h. At maximum, I was able to drive at 21 km / h on the flat. The 300 W motor built into the front wheel quickly showed its weaknesses. On a false dish or on a climb, the Ninebot ES2 is sorely lacking in juice. I often had to give a few foot strokes to propel the scooter in the climbs. I felt this weak acceleration from the first start. The first impulse is progressive, without any start. We lose in sensations, we gain in safety.

Segway has also made a point of honor to secure the maximum of its scooter at the driving level. Braking is also progressive The brand seems to have listened to the criticism of users of the Ninebot ES1, many to be passed over the handlebars. Thanks to its engine brake, the stops are soft. But we must anticipate more. For emergency braking or downhill, I strongly recommend using the conventional method of rear brake. Otherwise, it is the fall assured

One great strengths of the Ninebot ES2 is its ability to ride on all terrains. Its wheels are solid so solid, and do not swell. No puncture possible. The handling is excellent. I did my first test in rainy weather, taking tight curves at full speed. Never did the scooter make me afraid.

The two dampers make it possible to ride on winding roads. So I ventured on lawns, sandy paths strewn with pebbles, at no time did the Ninebot ES2 make me fake good.