Segway Max G3 review: a smooth electric scooter with range

As part of Segway-Ninebot’s newly launched third-generation eKickScooter range, the Max G3 is touted as its most advanced daily ride yet.

It’s ideal for commuters or anyone who just wants to get around and have a little fun along the way.

Standout features include up to 80km of range, a full recharge in just 3.5 hours, 2000 Watts of power (max) and speedy acceleration from 0 to 25km/h in 2.4 seconds.

When it comes to comfort, there’s dual hydraulic suspension and Segway’s stability tech.

You’ll also find a large display, hands-free unlocking and even Apple’s Find My support, so you can track it down using the Find My app.

Specifications – MAX G3 Segway Electric KickScooter

Ride quality and handling

I found it fun to ride and easy to pick up. It felt stable and in control during both fast and slow speeds. The low centre of gravity inspires confidence, even if on wet surfaces.

I rode on sealed roads, stony drives, hills and paths, and the suspension did a good job of smoothing things out. It even handled hopping off a kerb, though that’s not something you’d want to do often.

The dual hydraulic suspension provides decent damping, with front and rear adjustable independently from soft to hard, depending on the roads you ride on.

On the stopping front, the disc brakes pulled up quickly. I would, however, prefer fully hydraulic brakes like those found on many mountain bikes and motorbikes, rather than the cable-pull type.

Driving modes and performance

To get moving you select your drive mode—Walk, Drive, Eco or Performance—then push the scooter to about 3km/h and it will start to accelerate. You can also adjust your start speed down to zero if you prefer.

The different modes combine varying acceleration and maximum speed settings. Eco mode gets you closest to the theoretical 80km range, while Performance mode delivers about 65km, with faster acceleration and a top speed capped at 25km/h in Australia. In other regions it can reach up to 45km/h.

If you’re after more speed, Sport Plus mode increases pick-up, and a Boost function—activated by holding the brake lever and pressing the throttle—provides even stronger initial acceleration. Of course, these impact battery life, but it’s good to have flexibility depending on your preferences.

Walk mode provides a bit of electric assistance while you’re walking the scooter, and turns the headlight on to light the way.

Safety and visibility

The 11-inch self-sealing tyres can handle punctures up to 4mm, helping you get home safely while reducing maintenance.

Lighting includes a 6W headlight, bright enough to illuminate up to 35m ahead, with automatic on/off depending on ambient light.

The large display shows your speed clearly, with turn indicators on the handlebar ends, plus a bright and easy to spot brake light. You can customise the display to show battery life, modes, trip distance and even incoming calls or directions, managed via the Segway app.

Design and build

Appearance-wise, I like the Max G3’s look, from its black and red paint scheme to the red brake calipers and visible suspension. It even has “safety underglow lights” that illuminate the scooter from beneath, which is great at night.

The 20cm-wide footboard feels roomy, and the front locking ring is handy for securing a bike-style lock. The 11-inch wheels provide about 131cm of clearance, and its sturdy aluminium-alloy frame supports riders up to 135kg.

I managed to get mine muddy, but with IPX6 water resistance it was easy to hose off.

Smart features

Segway-Ninebot has added some clever touches that went beyond what I expected to find on a kick-scooter.

The handlebars fold back and latch to the base, forming a handle for carrying the scooter onto a bus or train. That said, at just under 25kg, it’s no lightweight.

When parked, you can set an Abnormality Alert, which is essentially a security sensor that sounds an alarm if someone tampers with the scooter. You can also lock it via a code (button sequence) or have it unlock automatically when your phone is nearby.

The Park On Slope feature locks the motor by holding the brake lever, stopping it from rolling downhill.

If the scooter is lost or stolen, Apple’s Find My support comes into play. Setup was easy, and the Max G3’s location appears in the Find My app on your iPhone. Thanks to Apple’s vast network, its location can be detected as long as a compatible device is nearby.

There’s an integrated kickstand too, and you can set the scooter to power off automatically when folded.

The Segway app even includes a “laboratory” with experimental features such as uneven terrain throttle assist (modulating power on rough surfaces), uphill acceleration assist (extra motor output on steep climbs), and downhill deceleration assist (automatic braking to keep speeds under control).

Battery and charging

The maximum range of 80km is impressive. Even if you don’t need that distance, it means fewer charges overall. And for those that need it, the built-in 597Wh battery can be expanded with an additional 460Wh unit for up to 135km of range.

Charging is via a standard AC power socket under the footboard. A full charge takes 3.5 hours, or 2.5 with an extra DC charger (sold separately).

In practice, I didn’t reach the full 80km on a single charge, as I avoided Eco mode (with its 12km/h cap) and my rides were often on hilly, unsealed routes. On average, I got around four hours of continuous riding before the low battery warning.

Should you buy it?

As far as e-kickscooters go, the Max G3 is a great ride. It’s well-suited to commuters thanks to its long range and fold-up design, and it packs plenty of safety and anti-theft features. It’s fun, peppy, and practical, and surprisingly easy to use.

At the time of writing, it’s available for $1,799 (18% off its usual $2,199), with a helmet and lock included.