For some time now, electric scooters have made a comeback on the streets. Small and lightweight, they are indeed an excellent way to get around the city faster. The addition of an electric motor to scooters has given them that little extra that makes them even more attractive.
However, when looking to buy an electric scooter model for the first time, it is easy to get lost in the number of available models.
In this article, we have chosen to focus on the Ninebot ES4 electric scooter model, sold by the Segway brand.
Segway, a world-renowned brand known to the general public thanks to its range of self-balancing scooters that appeared on the French market a few years ago, has now launched its own electric scooter model, the Ninebot ES4.
Priced at €799, the Ninebot ES4 scooter is positioned among the high-end electric scooter models.
Let’s now look at the features of this product to see if its price is justified and if it stands out as a smart purchase for urban mobility solutions.
Structure and Design of the Ninebot ES4 Electric Scooter
Strictly speaking, the Ninebot ES4 scooter is very similar to the Ninebot ES2 model, also designed by Segway. The main difference lies in the battery.
Due to the presence of a dual battery, the Ninebot ES4 electric scooter has a net weight of 14kg. This places it in the upper average range of electric scooters. Considering the gain in battery life, the few extra kilos are really not a problem. Moreover, if needed, the battery is removable.
The maximum allowed weight is 100kg. It is possible to use the device if you weigh a bit more, but the maximum speed will be lower and acceleration slower.
The minimum recommended age to use it is 14 years. The Ninebot ES4 scooter has two brakes: an electromagnetic brake at the front and a mechanical brake at the rear.
It is equipped with a front LED headlight and a rear brake light, allowing users to ride safely at night. Additionally, it is rain-resistant (but do not leave it outside!).
The Battery of the Ninebot ES4 Electric Scooter
Let’s take a closer look at the most interesting aspect of the Ninebot ES4 scooter: its battery. Indeed, when the dual battery is attached to the scooter, it reaches a maximum range of 45 km.
The batteries are Lithium-Ion type and require about 7 hours for a full recharge. However, the second battery can be charged alone, separately from the rest of the scooter. The full charge time for each battery is about 3.5 hours.
In addition, the batteries of the Ninebot ES4 scooter are equipped with Segway’s standard safety features:
- Overheat protection
- Short circuit protection
- Overcharge protection
- Overcurrent protection
Is the Ninebot ES4 a Fast Scooter?
The Ninebot ES4 electric scooter has an accelerator located on the handles. At maximum speed, the vehicle can reach 30 km/h.
It is possible to preset a maximum speed not to be exceeded. This can be very practical, especially if you lend your scooter to your children or if you are riding in heavy traffic.
Moreover, it is equipped with a cruise control. If you travel long distances, it is much more comfortable not to have to constantly press the accelerator.
The motor power is adjustable and ranges from 300W to 700W. This notably allows for faster acceleration to reach the device’s maximum speed more quickly.
The Ninebot ES4 also has a small screen located on the handlebar. It displays, among other things, the current speed and battery charge level.
Is the Ninebot ES4 Scooter Practical in the City?
Many electric scooter users (see the Segway ES4 review) use it mainly to cover the distance between their home and the nearest public transport. Others use it to get to the office and need to store it there all day.
Good news if this is your case, the Ninebot ES4 scooter is foldable. It then becomes very compact and easy to store in a small space. To fold it, nothing could be simpler: just press the small pedal located at the front of the platform. While using the scooter, it is possible to lock this pedal to avoid an accidental fold.
The scooter is also equipped with suspension. Don’t expect miracles here, but it is sufficient to absorb shocks from uneven terrain. However, it is not recommended to use the scooter on dirt paths.
A Connected Segway Scooter
Finally, the Ninebot ES4 electric scooter has a mobile app available on iPhone and Android. The vehicle pairs with phones via a Bluetooth connection. But what is this app for?
It is primarily used to check your scooter’s usage level: number of kilometers traveled, average speed, battery usage, trip history. It is also possible to adjust the cruise control and the maximum allowed speed from the app.
Segway also stands out from the competition through its mobile app, which allows the Ninebot ES4 owner to lock the scooter when it is not in use. The wheels are then locked, and if the scooter is moved or someone tries to ride it, the owner is immediately notified with a notification on their phone.
Conclusion of the Ninebot ES4 Test
The Ninebot ES4 electric scooter is an excellent urban mobility solution that we highly recommend. Its maximum speed is generally average compared to other urban scooters, but the real difference lies in its dual battery. Indeed, it is relatively rare to see a model capable of lasting 45 km.
The somewhat high price is justified by quality design and a practical solution that does not need to be constantly recharged for fear of running out of power. We therefore do not find it excessive and consider the Ninebot ES4 scooter a good long-term investment.