Imagine yourself cruising smoothly at a constant speed on your electric scooter, without having to keep your finger clenched on the accelerator. That’s exactly what cruise control promises! This feature, available on several Segway electric scooter models, offers real comfort and optimizes range on long trips. But beware: in France, it is factory-disabled to comply with regulations. In this article, Weebot explains how to activate cruise control on the Segway electric scooter.
What is cruise control on a Segway electric scooter?
To improve your riding comfort and optimize the range of your Segway electric scooter, cruise control is a real bonus. This feature, inspired by car speed regulators, allows you to automatically maintain a constant speed without having to keep the accelerator pressed. Ideal for long trips and relaxed rides!
Principle and operation
Cruise control is based on a built-in electronic regulation system in your electric scooter. As soon as you maintain a stable speed for a few seconds, speed sensors communicate with the motor controller to keep this pace without pressing the accelerator.
Activation is confirmed by a beep and a specific icon displayed on the dashboard. Thanks to this device, the vehicle adjusts the motor power in real time to compensate for slight terrain variations and maintain your constant speed.
The advantages of cruise control
One of the primary benefits of cruise control is the reduction of fatigue. By removing the continuous pressure on the accelerator, you adopt a more relaxed posture, which relieves your wrists and hands on long trips. This system also contributes to better energy management: by stabilizing the speed, it limits sudden accelerations and decelerations that heavily strain the battery.
As a result, you enjoy optimized autonomy. Finally, cruise control makes driving smoother and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus more on your environment and your route.
How to check the compatibility of your Segway electric scooter?
Before you start activating cruise control, it is essential to check if your electric scooter model is compatible. Indeed, not all Segways include this function, and some models even require a software update to make it available.
Compatible models
Among the models that include cruise control mode are notably the Segway Ninebot MAX G3 E, GT3, E3 Pro, the P65I as well as the ES4, E22 series and the entire MAX and E range. However, having the right model is not enough: it is imperative that the firmware of your electric scooter is up to date and that the Segway-Ninebot mobile app used is compatible with this feature. It is this hardware + software combination that makes access to advanced options like cruise control possible.
How to check your model and firmware?
To ensure the compatibility of your electric scooter, start by connecting your vehicle to the official Segway-Ninebot mobile app.
From the interface, you can easily check the exact model, the firmware version, and verify if an update is available.
Also remember to take a look at the label located on the back of the deck: it displays the model, the serial number, and sometimes the hardware version.
A QR code is usually visible, allowing a quick scan to get all technical info and direct access to product support. This double check will save you from any unpleasant surprises before attempting to activate cruise control.
Technical risks and limits of cruise control mode on a Segway electric scooter
If the cruise control mode undeniably improves riding comfort, its technical limits should not be overlooked. This function relies on sensors and an electronic system that can be sensitive to certain factors like terrain, weather conditions, or even software updates. Here are the points to watch to avoid any unpleasant surprises during use.
Can it deactivate accidentally?
Yes, and this is even planned by design. Cruise control automatically deactivates as soon as you pull a brake lever or completely release the accelerator. That said, some users report involuntary deactivations due to:
• A too firm grip that slightly releases the accelerator
• Intense vibrations on damaged roads
• Poor sensor calibration after a software update
Result: a slight loss of stability or comfort, especially if you do not expect it.
Does it work poorly on slopes or in rain?
Cruise control is designed to maintain a constant speed on flat or gently sloping terrain. Uphill or downhill, it quickly reaches its limits:
• Going uphill, the scooter may struggle to maintain the programmed speed, causing jerks if the motor is undersized.
• Going downhill, some models maintain speed without issue, while others may slightly increase it by inertia, requiring increased vigilance.
• In rain or on wet roads, the speed sensors and wheels may be less responsive, which can lead to less precise behavior of the regulator. Additionally, the risk of slipping increases, especially if the user does not brake in time to deactivate the mode.
Are there any known power losses or bugs?
User feedback mentions some technical inconveniences to be aware of:
• Temporary power losses on certain models after activating cruise control, especially if the firmware is not up to date.
• Display bugs: sometimes the cruise control icon remains lit even after deactivation.
• Non-activation: sometimes, holding the accelerator is not enough to activate the function, especially if the sensors are poorly calibrated or the environment is too noisy for the beep to be audible.
These problems are not systematic, but they justify always performing a test in a secure environment before using cruise mode over a long distance.
Can cruise mode be activated in France?
Even though cruise mode is integrated on several Segway models, its use remains very regulated in France. The reason: strict regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of users and pedestrians. This is also why this feature is systematically disabled from the factory on models sold in the territory.
What French legislation says
Since 2019, the Highway Code precisely regulates the use of motorized personal mobility devices (EDPM), including electric scooters. Among the imposed rules, the prohibition of a speed regulator is prominent. The reason is simple: a cruise mode can limit the driver's responsiveness in an emergency, especially in dense urban areas.
As a result, Segway has disabled this feature by default on all models intended for the French market, even though it remains technically present in the firmware.
Where and when to use it safely?
In France, the use of cruise mode is therefore only tolerated in a private setting, on enclosed land or private property. It is the ideal place to enjoy this feature in complete peace, without violating regulations. However, in the city, it can be risky due to pedestrians, intersections, and frequent obstacles. Using this mode under these conditions could endanger your safety and that of others.
Moreover, in case of a check, you risk a fine of up to €1,500 and confiscation of your vehicle if it exceeds imposed limits or has unauthorized functions. It is therefore better to reserve this option for secure areas and comply with the rules in force.
How to activate cruise mode on your Segway electric scooter?
Depending on your model and chosen configuration, there are two ways to activate cruise mode: via the Segway-Ninebot mobile app or directly from your scooter. Here is, step by step, how to do it safely.
Activate via the Segway-Ninebot app
Start by connecting your electric scooter to the official app using your smartphone's Bluetooth.
Make sure the firmware is up to date to enjoy the latest available options. Once the device is recognized, go to the vehicle settings and look for the "Cruise mode" option.
Activate it, then, when you reach a speed of at least 5 km/h, hold the accelerator down for five seconds. A long beep will sound to confirm the activation of the mode.
Activate directly on the Segway electric scooter
On some models, you can activate cruise control without using the app. When riding at a speed between 5 and 10 km/h, simply hold the accelerator for about five seconds.
The system will then emit a beep to signal that the function is engaged. On the P65I model, a quick double-click on the power button activates or deactivates cruise control.
On the GT1, a double-click on the left switch performs this function.
Adjusting and deactivating cruise control
Once activated, you can easily adjust your cruise speed. Some models allow you to change it in 5 km/h increments by pressing the driving mode change button, or more precisely in 1 km/h increments by holding this button down.
To deactivate the function, simply pull one of the brake levers, release the accelerator, or, depending on the model, press the "Cruise" button again. Each action is confirmed by a beep and the icon displayed on the dashboard indicating that cruise control is active or deactivated.
FAQ
Does cruise control consume more or less battery than manual driving?
In general, cruise control helps save battery because it avoids sudden acceleration and unnecessary braking. By maintaining a stable speed, the scooter operates more linearly, which can slightly extend range on regular or flat routes.
Can the cruise control speed be customized?
Not directly beforehand, as you might with a car. Cruise control activates at the speed you are traveling at the moment of activation. On some Segway models, it is possible to adjust the cruise speed once active by using the mode change buttons. This depends on the model and firmware.
Does cruise control work in eco, standard, and sport modes?
Yes, but behavior may vary. In eco mode, speed maintenance will be smoother and more gradual, while in sport mode, acceleration will be more responsive. It is therefore recommended to activate cruise control in the driving mode that matches your needs (range vs performance).
Conclusion
Activating cruise control mode on a Segway scooter truly transforms your rides by offering superior driving comfort and optimized battery management. However, it is important to remember that this feature remains disabled by default in France to comply with current regulations and avoid any risks in urban areas. If you want to enjoy it, do so exclusively on private property and under safe conditions. Visit Weebot to find your future Segway electric scooter!