Segway Ninebot ES2 Review

Who is it Best For?

Will the Ninebot ES2 Be a Good Fit For You?

If you’re after a sleek scooter that gets you from A to B and requires minimal fuss, the Ninebot ES2 could be the scooter for you.

It’s not the cheapest on the market but its cruise control feature, durable design, and excellent warranty from the team at Segway make this a stress-free commuting option.

It shouldn’t be taken off-road and you don’t want to be climbing steep hills either, but it does a decent job of providing a comfortable ride as long as you’re rolling over smooth asphalt.

Pros and Cons

Ride Quality

Is the Ninebot ES2 Comfortable to Ride?

As with all Ninebot models, there is conjecture about how comfortable they are to ride, this stands true with the ES2. This is largely due to the small (8” front, 7.5” rear) non-pneumatic, solid rubber tires. The integrated front and rear shock absorbers do some of the job to cushion against lumps and bumps that the, somewhat lackluster, tires don’t.

Having said that, as long as you’re not off-roading and are sensible with the choice of terrain you ride on, the ride quality is on par with other scooters that sit in the same performance bracket. While riding on smooth asphalt, the E2 is capable of delivering a smooth ride.

The ES2 boasts rubber handgrips and an anti-slip deck, both go a long way to increase rider comfort. The ergonomic throttle and brake also contribute to making the scooter easy to ride, so though the shock absorption may not be top-of-the-range, the ES2 makes up for this with its beginner-friendly design.

Design

Handlebars

The ES2 is sleek and sexy and it comes as no surprise that the cockpit is the same. The handlebar measures 17” (43 cm) in length and is 44” (112 cm) in height from the ground up, meaning that they can accommodate the taller, wider rider.

The blue-gripped accelerator is on the right, with the gray-gripped brake lever on the left. Both feel smooth to operate with the accelerator being particularly responsive when in Sport mode.

Aside from the throttle/brake paddles, the handlebar has a high-quality finish that is evident from just by looking at this beauty. I’m especially a fan of the soft-rubber grips which make riding the ES2 very comfortable.

In the middle of the handlebar lies an LED circular display, alongside the power button. The power button doesn’t just gear the scooter up ready to go, though. It can also be tapped to change the riding mode (Speed Limit, Standard, and Sport) or to power the bright headlight. The LED panel displays your current speed, Bluetooth status (whether it is connected to the mobile app or not), riding mode, and the remaining battery capacity.

The LED display stays visible in all conditions, even with direct sunlight beaming down on it.

Another nice feature that makes the ES2 feel safe and sturdy is the folding hinge is located at the front of the deck. This reduces the flex on the handlebar and stem.

Frame

The ES2’s frame is on the lighter end of the scale thanks to its high-strength yet exceptionally lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum alloy composition. This is one of the best quality materials when it comes to scooter construction, which gives the ES2 a premium feel.

The ES2’s aesthetic design oozes quality and durability. It’s got an edgy, minimalist vibe and it’s clear that Segway has worked hard to ensure that unattractive wires and other mechanical elements are hidden to preserve its modern design – you’ll only see one external wire.

Deck

The area of the deck where you place your feet is about 16” (40.6 cm) in length, which is within the standard range of a commuter scooter. Towards the stem, the deck gradually rises and you shouldn’t have any problems using the first few inches of this gradation as foot space. This is a smart design feature as it increases space on the deck without increasing the overall dimensions of the scooter.

The deck is covered with a rubber textured footplate that is around 6” (15 cm) wide. This, coupled with the additional space granted through the length of the deck, provides enough room to comfortably place your feet, even if they are wider or bigger than the average shoe size.

In line with the sleek, premium frame, the deck steps up to the plate featuring customizable colored lights. There are 16 multicolored LEDs spread across the bottom of the scooter to add extra pizzazz to the ES2’s frame.

Wheels

The Segway ES2 has an 8” tire in the front and a 7.5” one in the rear. Both are solid rubber.

There’s a bunch of different tire types available, stretching from solid rubber (as seen on the ES2) to pneumatics (air-filled) and even foam-filled tires. Each has its advantages and shortcomings.

In regards to the ES2, the solid tires are made from a hard rubber compound that makes them less flexible and therefore, removes cushioning which can be found in the likes of air and foam-filled tires.

Riding the ES2 over anything other than smooth asphalt will be jarring. The front and rear shock absorption do alleviate some of the issues caused by solid tires, but it won’t be a comfortable ride if you’re consistently traversing over rough terrain.

The benefit of solid rubber tires is that you don’t have to worry about pesky punctures that can turn an enjoyable ride into a nightmare trip. They also don’t wear quickly so you don’t have to replace them often. Replacing tires on electric scooters isn’t as easy as the popping a new tire on a bike. Often, you have to completely disassemble the structure encased around the wheels.

Build Quality & Durability

The ES2’s build quality is similar to others within the same price range. As previously mentioned, it is constructed from a high-strength aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, and whilst some cheaper models seem to have just been thrown together, Segway stands true to their values of creating quality products that last the test of time.

For example, some scooters fold from the bottom of the handlebar stem which is common practice, but can sometimes cause the handlebar to feel slightly loose. On the other hand, the ES2’s folding hinge is located at the front of the deck. This reduces the flex on the handlebar and stem.

Additionally, the solid tires – despite their pitfalls – do alleviate the burden of punctures and so they are long-lasting and durable. It’s also highly unlikely that you’ll need to change them regularly, which is a major benefit.

The ES2 does feature some plastic parts such as the wheel covers, control paddles, and rear foot brake but this doesn’t impact the beauty of the scooter. It is worth pointing out, though, that if these parts were to become damaged as a result of ordinary use, Ninebot by Segway will repair your scooter within the warranty period.

Weight & Load

Weighing in at 27.6 lbs (12.5 kg), the ES2 is a lightweight electric scooter that’s easy to carry. To put the weight in perspective, the lightest adult electric scooter, the Unagi Mode One (Single Motor), weighs just 23 lbs. The ES2 is a mere 4.6 lbs heavier.

As with all Ninebot scooters, the max rider weight is 220 lbs (100 kg). The ES2 can’t carry as much load as some of its competitors, which is worth bearing in mind if you are a heavier rider.

It’s also worth noting that, in terms of range, you will experience more mileage if you weigh on the lower side of the spectrum, and vice-versa. If this is something you’re conscious of then it would be wise to purchase the extended battery pack that’ll give you an additional 12.5 miles, bringing the max mileage up to 28 miles.

Folding & Portability

The oversized stem is 2” (5 cm) larger in diameter and length in comparison to similar scooters on the market, which for most would not cause any additional issues but it’s worth being aware of if you have small hands – carrying the ES2 could be a struggle.

You should also consider the length of the scooter when folded (44 x 17 x 12” / 112 x 43 x 30.5 cm). The average mid-size Sedan trunk measures around 41.5-43.5” (105-110 cm), so, depending on your vehicle, it could be a bit of a push to fit the ES2. However, you should be fine if you put it in at an angle or chuck it across the backseat.

Overall, the ES2 has a very simple folding mechanism. All you have to do is push down on the folding hinge at the front of the deck with your foot and then gently bring the handlebar down towards the rear wheel until you hear a click. Simple.

The only improvement would be foldable handlebars to make the scooter more compact.

Assembly

The manual for the Segway Ninebot ES2 covers many languages, making it a globally accessible scooter. The instructions are clear on assembly and they also detail all safety precautions that you must know before and during riding.

Shipped in protective packaging, you have the scooter, handlebar, five hex screws, a T-shaped hex key and the charger.

As always, some assembly is required. It’s not a painstaking process, though, as all you need to do is unfold the scooter until it clicks, deploy the kickstand, pop the handlebar into place and secure it with the screws using the hex key provided.

Before riding the ES2, you’ll need to connect it to the Segway-Ninebot mobile app (iOS and Android) via Bluetooth. For some, this is a bit of a hassle when you just want to get out and ride your new wheels, but the smartphone app unlocks some super cool features which I’ll talk about later in the article.

The ES2 arrives partially charged but I’d recommend giving it a full charge before riding to ensure the longevity of your battery for the future.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

It’s fairly common to see electric scooters that need kick-start before the motor engages, the ES2 is no different.

The 300-watt motor is very quiet so you don’t leave a trail of, what sounds like, a high-pitched beep behind you as your glide.

In all honesty, the acceleration is pretty lackluster, as to be expected from a scooter with a 300-watt motor. However, when riding in Sport mode it has more punch and reaches its top speed of 15.5 mph fairly quickly – though continuously riding in Sport mode will decrease the range of the scooter as it’s not economical. Although it’s not the fastest or has the most powerful acceleration, there is no denying that it is great for new riders.

So, what’s the difference between the various riding modes?

• Speed Limit: minimum power and speed, in return for increased mileage.
• Standard: moderate acceleration with a max speed of 12.5 mph, and moderate range to match.
• Sport: max acceleration and speed at a cost of increased battery consumption and less range.

Range

With a max range of 15.5 miles, the ES2 is ideal for daily commuting and leisurely weekend rides whilst leaving you with some mileage in the tank, but that’s only if you ride it economically.

If range is your key criteria, it’s wise to consider investing in the extended battery pack so you can go further for longer (max 28 miles). If the extra battery sounds appealing to you, I’d recommend looking into the Ninebot ES4 as it comes included in the price, rather than as an additional purchase (it’s cheaper too).

Hill Climbing

The Ninebot ES2 isn’t the best at climbing hills, but it does manage to climb up inclines with a max grade of 10%.

The heavier the rider, the slower the scooter can traverse inclines and so, it’s worth considering this when thinking about the undulation of your regular routes when riding the ES2. Needless to say, this is the same with most scooters.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

The ES2 features both front and rear shock absorbers. Both are a welcome addition since they counter the solid rubber tires to provide a level of cushioning that will be suitable for the majority of urban rides.

The front suspension takes some of the vibrations out of riding and can keep your wrists protected, whilst the rear suspension complements this by reducing through-the-feet vibrations.

Braking

Equipped with a regenerative brake and rear foot brake, to stop quickly you’ll need to deploy both. Using the foot brake requires you to shift most of your weight on to one leg.

The good thing about a regenerative braking system is that it recycles the power used to slow the scooter back into the battery to extend mileage.

All in all, the braking system is sufficient for the top speed.

Charge Time

The ES2’s battery fully charges in 3.5 hours, which is a drop in the ocean in terms of battery charging time (some can take up to 20 hours – albeit they are capable of power the scooter for longer).

If you opt for the additional external battery you can expect that number to double with the benefit of 12.5 additional miles.,

The LED panel shows you the amount of juice left in the tank by 5 battery-bars, each equating to roughly 20%.

Features

LED Dashboard

The circular, built-in LED dashboard is an attractive feature. It not only gives the scooter a modern aesthetic but allows you to view your speed, battery level and riding mode on the go.

You probably won’t use the speedometer all that much, but I can guarantee that you’ll find the battery bars especially useful.

LED Lights

The ES2 features all the lights you could need.

First off, it has a mounted LED headlight and red tail lights. And, if you want some additional swag? Well, you can turn on the customizable atmosphere under-deck lights to suit your mood. There are 16 multicolored LEDs on the bottom of the scooter, with different ‘frequency’ modes to jazz up your ride. You can set the color of the lights via Bluetooth on the Segway-Ninebot app.

All the lights increase visibility to enhance safety and well…they make the ES2 look like it could be from out of space as it lights up the city streets.

There are also reflectors mounted on each side of the deck that are useful for lighting you up to pedestrian or other vehicles to see you from a side-profile.

Cruise Control

As with other Segway Ninebot scooters, the ES2 comes with the cool option to deploy cruise control.

As someone who’s done a lot of long scooter rides before, this feature was music to my ears. You take your thumb off the throttle, let the ES2 maintain a constant speed, and enjoy the wind blowing through your hair as you glide.

Mobile App & Bluetooth

Available on both Android and iOS, the ES2’s companion app is well designed. Once you’ve completed the signup process and activated your new scooter the app enables you to control your scooter by changing rider mode, altering the color of the under-deck lights, and much more.

There’s even some helpful tips and tricks which are worth checking out if this is the first time you’ve bought yourself a Ninebot scooter.

Water Resistance Rating

Having a water-resistant scooter is quite the luxury – not all have the appropriate ratings, but the Ninebot ES2 does.

It has an IP54 rating, which simply means that it can withstand water spray from any direction. That’s not to say I’d advise you to ride through puddles, but the ES2 can handle splashes and light rain.

Battery Management System

The ES2’s battery has a 187 Watt-hour battery and a max power of 700W. But what does that mean? This essentially determines how fast and far you can go. The efficiency of the ES2’s battery means it has a relatively short charging time of 3.5 hours.

The battery management system itself protects against overheating and short-circuiting, which means the scooter is super durable and long-lasting. Segway’s years of experience comes into its own here: this protection against over-current and over-charge ensures that the batteries can be recharged over and over again.

Optional Seat Attachment

The seat attachment is compatible with the Ninebot ES1, ES2, ES3, and ES4.

The attachment sets the ES2 apart from other similar performance scooters. Not only is it comfortable with the high-elastic foam and shock absorbers under the seat and at the top of the seat post but it transforms the ES2 into the cheapest seated electric scooter.

The seat is worth the price tag, especially as the protective coating prevents premature wear and tear. It’s one of the best quality seat attachments you can get.