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Top 06
Mini Segways
Best Mini Segways Review 2017
Xiaomi Ninebot – Segway Mini Stand Up Electric Scooter
Aijiu Mini – Self Balancing 2 Wheel Stand Up Scooter
Segway i2 Personal Transporter ScooterEditor choice
Segway X2 x2SE – Off Road Smart Personal Transporter
Segway Hoverboard miniPRO Smart Self Balancing Personal TransporterBest value
Feber Dareway Revolution VehicleBest seller
Best Segways & Mini Segways of 2017
Product Reviews, Buying Guide, Frequently Asked Questions & Top 3 Picks
Anyone who has walked the streets of a big city will have had the slightly disconcerting experience of a pedestrian gliding past you on what looks like a miniaturized mobility scooter. These nimble personal transport systems are known as mini-segways and they’re changing the way we move.
Mini-segways are electric powered scooters with two wheels and a set of handle-bars. The mini segway is easy to control with practice and the fastest models travel up to 15 miles per hour. They’re good for the environment, agile enough to weave in and out of human traffic, easy to store and, in recent years, have become affordable for everybody.
Today, we’re going to look at some of the best mini-segways available on the market right now. We’ve split them into two broad groups: The first is the children’s toy. These tend have speed limiters for safety. The second, is for adult users which have more power. We’re going to be looking for innovation, speed, battery life and maintenance to rate these products within their broad audience of child or adult.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Segway i2 Personal Transporter Scooter
Without a doubt the finest producers of personal transport in the modern era. Segway, the company that started it all, have entered the mini-segway market with the fabulous i2. Equipped with two, self balancing, 19.5 inch tires this machine can handle almost any terrain without losing speed. That speed is a brisk 12.5 mph with the ability to travel 24 miles on just a single charge; a charge that takes a mere 4 hours to reach full capacity. The steering uses Segway’s patented leaning control system which is responsive, agile and intelligent. In fact, there’s more features than I can fit in here, so make sure you take a look at our full write up.
- Lightweight aluminum materials that a capable of sustaining a ton of weight
- A lightning fast top speed with the longest distance per charge on our list
- A build quality that could be measured in decades rather than years
- Bluetooth connectivity that provides up to the minute updates on speed, mileage and battery life
- Agile with the ability to perform on almost any terrain
- There’s only one, and that’s the price.
You could buy a decent car for the same price as this segway so it’s market will be limited. If you can afford it, you won’t regret buying it. The i2 is at the frontier of technology, manufacture and quality.
Xiaomi Ninebot
Everything about the Xiaomi Ninebot, from its name to its sleek look, just screams cutting-edge. It’s a self-balancing two wheel mini-segway with a top speed of 10mph. It’s designed for adults but is only capable of carrying weight up to 85kg. Also, the controls do feel a little low for taller riders like myself. The stand-out feature is the duel battery which takes 3-4 hours to reach a full charge and goes for 14- 18 miles. Once you’re done, it’s easy to pack in the car, weighing in at just 28 pounds.
Xiaomi Ninebot Specifications
Dimensions: 21.5″ w x 23.5″ h
Weight: 28 pounds
Wheels: 10.5″ Rubber w/ tread
Motor: 700w from x2 wheel motors
Material: Magnesium Alloy Frame & Wheels
Weight Capacity: 188 pounds
Max Range: 13 miles
Maximum Speed: 10 miles per hour
Battery Type: UL approved, rechargeable Lithium Ion
Charging Time: 3-4 Hours
Technology: Gyroscopic sensors and knee pad controls
Safety Features: Headlights, Tail-lights, Brake Lights, Signal Lights
- State of the art Chinese technology
- Superb performance from the duel batteries with a low charge time.
- Easy to transport with it’s low weight capacity and small size
- It looks really sleek with a sturdy feel that I think will last a long time.
- Innovative, gyroscopic technology which reacts to the uses shift in weight for control. Takes some getting used to, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s great.
- A little bit on the expensive side
- The handle bars are a little bit low for taller people
- The weight capacity makes it unsuitable for larger adults
Segway X2 X2SE Off Road Mini Segway
The Segway X2 X2SE off-roader is designed for the extreme hobbyist. Whopping 21 inch, tracked, tires with a lowered uShine standing panel combine to create a mini-segway that’s capable of covering hills, countryside and beaches. A 4000W motor sits in the engine room which has the power to perform on inclines up to 45 degrees without affecting it’s 12.5 mph top speed. The only downside is the weight. A hefty 114 pounds that make it less than ideal for transporting to your favorite locations.
- Patented, gyroscopic steering system
- High performance, grippy tires that won’t lose traction, even in mud
- uShine technology that lowers your center of gravity
- Resistant to water, mud, dust and grime
- 21 mile distance on a single 4 hour charge
- It’s rather heavy which almost excludes it from our mini-segway list
- Again the initial outlay is high but, having said that, it’s certainly good value for money
Segway Mini Pro
Unlike the other options on our list this is truly a mini-segway weighing just 28 pounds. You can also remove the knee control pad to fit it in the trunk of your car. But don’t let it’s size fool you. This transporter is capable of travelling 24 miles at a top speed of 10 mph. Two 10.5 inch tires with built in suspension are capable of absorbing shocks on the toughest surfaces. As with all Segways, steering is controlled via their ultra responsive, patented leaning system. My favorite things about the miniPro though, is the price. It’s affordable and opens the door for normal people to experience the latest in Segway technology.
Segway MiniPro Specifications
Dimensions: adjustable from 20″-34″
Weight: 28 pounds
Wheels type: 10.5″ pneumatic
Frame: Aircraft grade megnesium Alloy
Age Recommendation: 14 and above
Controls: body activated
Motor: 800 W motor
Miles per charge: 14 miles
Maximum Speed: 10 miles per hour
Battery Type: UL approved rechargeable Lithium Ion
Charging Time: 4 Hours
- Low charge time of four hours with a maximum travel of 24 miles
- Quick, nimble and agile on the road
- Patented, dynamic control system
- Built in suspension for riding over cracks and divots
- Affordable
- It’s more expensive than other transporters
- Additional cost required to have handlebars instead of the seat
Feber Dareway Revolution
This mini-segway is designed for children with all the looks of it’s famous older brother the Segway. Unfortunatel, I just can’t see the same build quality in the miniature model with the plastic cheap in look and feel. The top speed is 4.5 miles per hour with a maximum weight tolerance of 89 pounds. The product is designed for kids, so i’m sure the low-speed will be welcomed by anxious parents. Perhaps, what’s more worrying is the charge time of ten hours for 40 minutes riding time. To give credit where it’s due, the Feber Dareway does have some fun, innovative features to keep the kids entertained.
Feber Dareway Specifications
Dimensions: 24″ x 25″ x 20″ (height adjusts)
Weight: 38 pounds
Material: Plastic
Age Recommendation: 6 – 10
Weight Capacity: 89 pounds
Charge: 40 mins of continuous use
Maximum Speed: 4.5 miles per hour
Battery Type: 12 Volt rechargeable
Charging Time: 10 Hours
- In-built speakers that can play music from mp3 devices when you’re out on the road; without sapping the battery life.
- Handlebars can be adjusted with a simple household screwdriver for when your children grow taller
- Independent wheel controls are a lot of fun, letting you spin on the spot and make sharp turns.
- 1 year product warranty, with 6 months performance warranty.
- Easy to pack away and store
- The build materials just feel a little cheap
- The low amount of run time combined with a long charge is a bit of a problem
- The low speeds will be fine for younger children but will get boring as they grow up
Aijiu Mini Segway
The most mysterious mini-segway on our list. Here’s what we do know. The Aijiu Mini has similar specs and features to the Ninebot albeit with larger 10.5 inch wheels. It weighs 28 pounds with two 350W lithium batteries providing the power. Aijiu have incorporated Bluetooth technology into this mini-segway so you can see the battery life, among other things, via a mobile app. There’s not much more published specs on the build material, speed or usage time although it’s said to match that of the Ninebot. It’s a risky purchase without knowing all the details before hand, but makes it on our list due to it’s popularity in the market right now.
Aijiu Mini Specifications
Dimensions: unkown
Weight: 28 pounds
Wheels: 10.5″ Rubber w/ tread
Motor: x2 350w wheel motors
Battery Type: rechargeable Lithium Ion
Charging Time: 3-4 Hours
Steering: knee pad controls
Safety Features: LED lights, rubberized non-slip foot pads
- The larger wheels are suited to pavements as well as rougher terrains. It also promises a comfortable ride with air-inflated tires
- It’s operated using your knees which make it suitable for most riders regardless of height
- Bluetooth compatibility is a lovely feature that we expect to see a lot more of on mini-segways in future
- Very light-weight at just 28 pounds and small enough to fit into a car boat with ease
- Self balancing two wheel system with headlights for night riding
- Simply not enough information in the specs to be able to make an informed decision
- Currently only available as direct export from China
- It’s expensive given how little we know about it
The Criteria used for this Evaluation
We take pride in offering honest reviews of all the products on this list. We gather data from a wide variety of sources to shape our opinion. The sources include user reviews, website data, official specifications as well as our common sense. In order to help you decide how to choose the right mini-segway for you, below is a breakdown of what we looked for during writing this review.
Adults or Children
The Segway emerged as early as 2002. Unfortunately, it didn’t capture the imagination of the general public with the price tag a key factor in putting buyers off. Eventually segways were re-marketed as children’s toys which proved successful. This re-marketing is responsible for the rapid growth of manufacturers today. Recently, mini-segways have been developed with the adult in mind and are manufactured at much lower costs. In this article we’ve covered products suitable for children and products suitable for adults. Of course, the criteria between these two groups will differ.
Children’s segways are designed primarily with safety in mind. The most obvious from this list is the Feber Dareway Revolution. If you’re buying a one for your child you’ll want something with a low-speed and maximum stability. The easiest way to find a unit suitable for a child is by looking at the weight capacity. On our list the Xiaomi Ninebot and the Aiuji mini are also low capacity mini-segways. These two are capable of 10mph so could be well suited to young teenagers but I wouldn’t recommend them for children under 10.
Adult mini-segways are reasonably priced with a lot higher performance. If you’re interested in picking one of these up, two things to look for are the weight capacity and the height of the handlebars. The Segway i2, Segway X2 X2SE and the Segway miniPro are all excellent choices for adults. The Ninebot and the Aiuji are also good but, have lower weight limits which, if stretched, could damage them.
Innovation
One of the things I look out for when I’m researching products is innovation. Innovation, as I see it, are features that are unique to that particular model. Areas where designers have thought outside of the box to deliver something really useful.
Performance
Performance is the combination of top speed with the amount of distance that can be covered. Where I’ve had the opportunity, it’s also been extended to how well a product performs on different surfaces and inclines. If you’re an adult, then you’re going to need something high performing. On the other hand, if you’re buying for a child you’re not going to want to give them something powerful that could end up putting their safety at risk. On this list the highest performers are manufactured by Segway.
Battery
Battery life is vital when you’re choosing a segway. Lower powered batteries take a long time to charge which can really ruin the experience. Furthermore, it’s always worth checking that the batteries are replaceable. All the products on our list run on lithium batteries. These batteries will decay over time so, if you can’t replace them, the product will have a lower lifespan. If at all possible, always check with the manufacturer before making a purchase.
Portability
The whole point of mini-segways is that they’re easy to transport. I’ve assessed portability based on the overall weight combined with the overall size.
Price
Everybody is influenced by price. I’ve tried to include a good range of prices to suit every budget. As such, each product is rated against its price. There are certainly better segways out there, but many of them are at a price that just isn’t realistic for most people. If you’re investing a lot, always look closely at the warranties to insure your investment.
Other Important Things to Consider
Brands
Opting for a lesser known brand can save you a lot of money without compromising on the quality of the product. In some cases, a product from an unknown brand can be poorly built or even dangerous. Before you make a purchase always do a little bit of research to make sure the manufacturer is fully certified and the product has passed all required safety tests.
Sellers
If you’re buying a product online it’s always worth checking that the seller is allowed to sell the product. If a price seems too good to be true that’s probably because it is. Reputable online stores like Amazon carry out checks on all their sellers. If you’re using a lesser known website you can always email the manufacturer to check if the seller is fully certified.
Online or in-store
When it comes to buying a product you’ll always have the choice of buying in-store or online. The benefits of in-store purchases is you can be confident of a certified seller, new product and you can try before you buy. Online stores, on the other hand, are often cheaper. In my opinion you’re best served trying a product out in store, but making the actual purchase online where you’re likely to get a much better deal.
Looking After the Batteries
Mini-segways are only as good as the batteries that power them. Lithium batteries will always decay over time but, you can make them last a lot longer by following these simple steps:
– When you first purchase a mini-segway you need to let it power all the way down, then charge it to full capacity. In the early stages of life using a half charged battery can ruin the overall battery life.
– After usage, if at all possible, remove the battery completely from the product. As long as the battery is connected to the product, it will be drained. Over time this can lead to rapid decay of the battery’s overall lifespan.
– Avoid excessively high or low temperatures which can cause a lithium battery to decay rapidly.
– Never, in any circumstance, leave a battery on charge overnight. If you keep a voltage running once a lithium battery reaches full charge it will start to generate heat. That heat can cause a battery to decay rapidly or even cause permanent damage.
No matter how well you look after your batteries they will eventually fade. When you’re buying a mini-segway always make sure the battery is replaceable. This is especially important on lower voltage models when the battery is smaller.
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Feber Dareway
Product Weight: 38 lbs
Wheel Size: n/a
Weight Capacity: 89 lbs
Range: 60 mins of use
Max Speed: 4.5 mph
Charge Time: 10 Hours
Additional Features:
Speakers, Adjustable Handlebar, LED Display
Segway i2
Product Weight: 105 lbs
Wheel Size: 19"
Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
Range: 24 Miles
Max Speed: 12.5 mph
Charge Time: 8-10 Hours
Additional Features:
Running Lights, Wide Wheelbase, Dismantle For Easy Transport
Segway miniPRO
Product Weight: 28 lbs
Wheel Size: 10.5"
Weight Capacity: 220 lbs
Range: 14 miles
Max Speed: 10 mph
Charge Time: 4 Hours
Additional Features:
Mobile App, UL 2272 Certified, Running Lights, Anti-Theft
Frequently Asked Questions
There was a major issue with knock-off retailers selling faulty equipment through sites like Amazon. Since that time Amazon has removed 97% of hover-boards from it’s selection.Today, all personal transport products have to go through a rigorous testing process to ensure they are safe to use. Before purchasing any product make sure it is UL 2272 certified. This is the highest standard of fire and electrical safety.
Another way to guard against purchasing a faulty product is by checking with the manufacturer that your seller is fully certified to sell this kind of product. In the current market, the likelihood of a faulty product catching fire is slim. Nevertheless, due diligence is required and, to be safe, only shop through well regulated online stores.
It is possible to check yourself but doing so could easily void your warranty if you have one. Mini-segways are complex pieces of electrical machinery so I can’t recommend you take this option. The best thing to do is check the serial number and email it to the company. If they confirm the sale then you know that your product is safe to use.
A mini-segway will remain upright so long as the wheels are spinning. This allows for two wheeled products and is known as the principle of gyroscopy.
Think of this principle as similar to riding a bicycle. So long as you maintain speed the bike will remain upright. Riding a segway is similar to riding a bike in that you still maintain control over the balance. On more powerful models taking the time to learn how to balance properly is vital before embarking on longer trips.
Self-balancing is a safety feature that is added to most mid to upper range products. Segway’s are controlled by shifting your weight forwards and backwards. If you’re leaning too far one way or another, you would expect to fall flat on your face. Self-balancing features mean that shifts in weight are detected, and corrected, automatically. When your weight is too far forward the unit corrects itself to remain upright.
Beware, if you’re going full speed but leaning too far forward the segway will correct it’s balance which will result in a jerking motion for you and sudden loss of momentum. When you’re starting out, avoid top speeds until you are full comfortable.
Some of the higher priced products here have in built features that will help you to learn. The Segway products, for example, have a speed limiter of 8mph for the first mile of use. If you don’t have a safety feature like that included, then here’s a few helpful tips:
Choosing the right space
For practicing you want to choose a space that is large enough to practice maneuvers and build speed but small enough to prevent losing control. Make sure to clear any obstacles that could potentially cause you to crash.
Be Aware of your Terrain
When you’re starting out, naturally you want an ideal surface to practice on. Make sure the surface is smooth without any cracks or divots. You’ll also want a surface with enough friction for the tires to gain good traction to avoid slipping.
Turn on and Find your Balance
Turn the unit on then stand on the unit putting one foot on, then the other. The human brain takes about 45 seconds to re-calibrate, so it will feel wobbly at first. Once you’re balanced we can begin to move.
Start off Slow to Build Confidence
We’d all like to go racing out of the blocks but the key to learning quickly is taking your time. Start off on a low speed and gradually increase your speed as you grow in skill and confidence.
Moving Forward and Backwards
With a steady hold on the handlebars, lean slightly forward to move the unit forward. The further forward you lean, the faster you will go. To slow down simply lean backwards. Move fluidly and avoid jerking motions for a smooth ride.
Turning
To turn, all you have to do is simply lean in the direction your turning. Shift your weight onto the your left foot to turn left, and your right foot to turn right. Always keep both feet on the segway to maintain your balance.
Getting off
When you’re finished practicing bring yourself to a stop by leaning backwards, gently. Once you’ve stopped, take one foot off at a time whilst maintaining a steady center of gravity.
For a more detailed guide on how to learn to ride your Segway safely, make sure to checkout this illustrated guide by Wikihow.com
Almost everything on the market right now promises the latest technology, or cutting edge features. When you’re researching the main features to look at is the engine related performance features. A Bluetooth connectivity may seem tempting but first make sure the basics are all there.
Here’s a few things to think about when you’re looking to buy a personal transport product:
Speed
For me, speed is the single most important factor. A slow moving product will be ideal for younger children but, if you’re an adult, you’ll want something fast. As a rule of thumb, I’d say if you’re over 12 years old you should be looking at a product that goes at least 10 mph.
Power
These products all feature electric engines so the power is measured in wattage. The more power it has the better your segway will perform when riding up hills or curbs.
Weight
How heavy a product is has a direct correlation to the performance. The heavier it is the more the engine will struggle to get you up hills or maintain speed. Plus, a lighter product is easier to transport for weekends away or holidays.
Battery
The size of the battery, run time and charge time are all going to influence how much you get out of a mini-segway. It’s worth spending a little more to get a quality product, rather than cutting corners on something you can only use for half an hour.
Way back in 2002 Segway developed it’s lean to ride technology. This is the foundation for the majority of electric personal transport devices. The technology uses 5 gyroscopes and many, fluid filled bars that sense shifts in weight. When you move your weight it is sent to two circuit boards to interpret direction. The signal then carries to 10 microprocessors which tell the motors to increase power, or change direction. The system is advanced, acting as a artificial intelligence to control movement. For the rider, all you have to do is move your weight to get an accurate response.
It’s difficult to say. The lifespan of these products will depend on how well you look after them, and how well they’re made.
In terms of the manufacture, by which I mean motor, circuit boards, wheels etc, it will depend on how much you invest. A good quality, mid-range mini-segway should last well over 5 years, if it’s looked after properly.
The main issue for lifespan is the Lithium ion battery. Lithium ion batteries have a lifespan of two to three years or 300 to 500 charges. Provided you take all the necessary precautions I’ve listed above when charging your battery, there’s no reason it won’t last as long.
The short answer is no. For a 93 decibel output, a speaker will use 2 watts. If we take, say, the Segway i2 which uses two 1500 watt motors, the speakers will be using 0.06% of your power. The Bluetooth function will be using less than 1% so running the speakers won’t put a strain on your battery.
Anything that requires more power from the motor. In-door use will make your battery last a lot longer. When you’re outside, the surface friction, inclines and even air resistance will all make your battery drain faster because the motor needs to use more power. In addition, changes of direction will use more battery than linear travel.
Mini-segways are powered by Lithium ion batteries that can violate safety on Airplanes. It’s unlikely that you would be able to put a segway on a plane. As for trains, buses and other public transport, rules differ between states. Always check with the authorities before attempting to put your mini segway on public transport.
We’ve selected our product recommendations based on extensive research. Of course, this list is only covering 6 products in a a multi-billion dollar industry. We’ve whittled down our list to include the most impressive, highest selling, affordable products. If you’d like to do some independent research, here’s a list of the biggest names in personal transport:
Ninebot Inc., Segway.Inc., Airwheel, Robstep, Osdrich, CHIC Robot, ESWING, INMOTION
Shopping around second hand is a sure way to save some money but there’s also a risk. Lithium ion batteries naturally fade over time so if you’re buying a used model there’s a chance it won’t perform to the specs of a new product. That means less time on the ride as well as decreased performance.
Another potential risk of buying second-hand is accountability. Segway’s are a popular, valuable device which makes them a target for thieves. Segway inc. products are all serialized and encrypted to only work in specific machines. If a machine is stolen it may no longer work, nor will you get much sympathy from the manufacturers.
If you must buy second hand, be sure to gather as much information on the product as possible. That means serial numbers. Get these before any money changes hands and run the serial numbers via the manufacturer to make sure your seller is legitimate.
If you’re intending to ride your segway outdoors an important question to ask is whether or not the product is waterproof. It’s easy to get caught in the rain and a disaster to ruin a $500+ piece of equipment due to water damage. Furthermore, most insurance plans won’t cover water damage in their plan.
All of the products, except the Deber Revolution, on this list have an IP54 rating. IP ratings judge how dust-proof and waterproof a product is. The ratings are out of ten with the first digit covering protection against dust and the second covering water proofing.
An IP54 rating will protect a unit from dust on standard surfaces like pavements but, won’t work on things like sand. Water-wise a rating of 4 will protect a unit against a splash of water but not for prolonged exposure. Once water gets into the circuit boards you’ll pretty much have to buy a brand new product so take all necessary precautions, including checking the weather forecast, before you go out on a ride.
Wrapping Up
So, that just about covers it for today. I’ve listed 6 of the best mini-segways available in 2017. As I’ve mentioned in the FAQ’s feel free to take a look at some other big brands for a wider selection. Keep an eye out for discounts that could save you a lot of money. The segway making is rapidly evolving so always look out for new products with new technologies.
Always remember to check if the segway has passed all safety regulations and only purchase from a trusted seller. If you’re a speed demon, remember to wear the recommended safety equipment like helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. Buy wisely and, most importantly, enjoy yourself.
