NAVEE S40 smart electric scooter review

If you’re looking for an electric scooter that combines futuristic design, raw power, and modern tech, then the NAVEE S40 Smart Electric Scooter is your ride. Recently, I had the chance to take this beauty for a test spin, and let me tell you, it delivers! Let’s dive into the details of what makes this scooter a top-tier choice for urban commuters and thrill-seekers alike.

Unboxing the NAVEE S40 electric scooter

So, what’s the unboxing experience like? Let’s take a closer look. The NAVEE S40 arrives in a well-packaged box that’s designed for easy handling. Straight out of the box, it’s clear that assembly is going to be a breeze. The scooter is already mostly put together—all I had to do was attach the handlebar, tighten a few screws, and within about five minutes, the NAVEE S40 was ready for action.

The simplicity of the assembly process is a huge plus, especially for those who might be intimidated by complex setups. Once fully assembled, I plugged it in for a full charge to make sure I had enough power for my first ride, as the scooter came with a 50% charge.

Pro Tip: Charging it overnight ensures you’re getting the maximum range from your first ride.

Design & build quality

From the moment I unboxed the NAVEE S40, its cyberpunk-inspired design immediately stood out. The scooter’s sleek lines and minimalist frame give it a futuristic aesthetic that sets it apart from many other scooters on the market. The thick metal base combined with high-quality plastic parts, like the fenders, contributes to both its durability and modern look.

Although the non-folding handlebar design and heavier build make it less convenient for carrying on public transport, it truly shines on longer commutes where its sturdiness and thoughtful design come into play. The NAVEE S40’s futuristic style gives it a premium feel, more akin to a high-tech gadget than a typical commuter scooter.

When it comes to build quality, NAVEE has done an excellent job balancing durability and functionality. The dual swingarm suspension system is a standout feature, ensuring a smooth ride even on rougher roads. During my rides over gravel and bumpy streets, the suspension absorbed shocks effectively, making the journey much more comfortable. Unlike models on the market that feature single-suspension systems, the NAVEE S40 offers superior comfort for urban commutes and mixed terrains. The 10-inch tubeless tires, which are puncture-resistant, add an extra layer of reliability.

Despite weighing around 49 lbs, the frame feels sturdy and well-balanced without feeling cumbersome. While there are lighter scooters available, such as those designed more for portability, the NAVEE S40’s added weight comes with a stronger frame and enhanced suspension, making it a great choice for riders who prioritize a smooth, comfortable ride over portability.

In terms of aesthetics, many scooters feature more traditional, practical designs. However, the NAVEE S40’s cyberpunk-inspired design offers a more eye-catching and premium look, perfect for riders looking for both style and function. The wide, rubber-coated deck also provides excellent stability and grip, allowing for a comfortable and secure riding experience. This scooter is clearly designed for those who value both form and function in their daily commute.

Performance & riding experience

As soon as I hit the road with the NAVEE S40, I could feel the 700W peak motor powering me effortlessly. Curious about how to choose the best electric scooter for your needs? Check out this detailed Electric Scooter Buying Guide for tips on what to consider before making your purchase.

The scooter’s top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) felt smooth and steady, even at its limit. Whether cruising in Standard Mode or pushing it to the edge in Sport Mode, the S40 handled the city streets with ease, offering a level of power and control that exceeded my expectations.

The scooter comes equipped with three riding modes:

• Walking mode (3.3 mph / 5.3 km/h): Perfect for crowded areas or when you need precise, slow-speed control.
• Standard mode (12 mph / 19 km/h): Ideal for everyday commuting, balancing speed and efficiency.
• Sport mode (20 mph / 32 km/h): For speed enthusiasts who want to experience the scooter’s full power on open roads.

I found myself using Standard mode for most of my city rides. At 12 mph (19 km/h), it was fast enough to weave through urban traffic while still feeling controlled and safe. When I switched over to Sport mode, the difference was immediate. The acceleration became sharper, allowing me to hit 20 mph (32 km/h) effortlessly. Even at higher speeds, the scooter remained stable, and I never felt out of control, thanks to its well-designed low center of gravity and ShockMaster™ dual swingarm suspension.

Real-world range

During my test rides, I averaged around 12-15 miles (20-25 km) of range while alternating between Standard and Sport Modes. Although this is slightly below the advertised 25 miles (40 km) range, it’s important to note that factors like terrain, rider weight, and riding mode play a significant role in how long the battery lasts. For my daily commutes, the balance between power and range was perfect—I never had to worry about the battery running out before getting home.

Compared to other scooters in its class, like the Segway Ninebot MAX G30P (which offers an impressive 40 miles (65 km) range), the NAVEE S40 comes in on the shorter side. However, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the S40’s performance makes up for its more modest range. The Hiboy S2 Pro, a direct competitor, offers a similar 25 mile (40 km) range but doesn’t deliver the same smooth ride or smart features that the NAVEE S40 provides.

Sharp turns & uneven ground

One of the standout aspects of the NAVEE S40 was how it handled sharp turns. Even when navigating tight corners, the scooter felt agile and steady, providing me with confidence on busy streets. The 10-inch tubeless tires gripped the road well, and I was impressed with how the scooter performed on uneven surfaces. Whether I was riding over gravel, cracks, or rough asphalt, the dual suspension absorbed shocks effectively, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride every time.

When I compared this to competitors like the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2, which lacks advanced suspension, the NAVEE S40 clearly stood out. The Apollo Air 2024 also offers a comfortable ride but relies on a single-suspension system, which doesn’t quite match the dual suspension comfort that the NAVEE delivers.

A ride that feels effortless

Throughout my time with the S40, the ShockMaster suspension ensured that I never felt the full impact of bumps, cracks, or uneven terrain on city streets. Whether I was commuting on smooth roads or tackling rougher surfaces, the 10-inch tubeless tires—puncture-resistant and robust—added to the smooth, stable ride. Even when I hit larger cracks or potholes, the suspension absorbed most of the shock, which made longer rides feel effortless and reduced impact on my joints.

The NAVEE S40 is powered by a 36V 7.65 Ah battery, which provides a solid range of about 40 km (24.9 miles) under ideal conditions. For most commutes or day trips around town, this should be more than enough. However, like most electric scooters, the real-world range can vary. If you’re riding aggressively in Sport Mode or going uphill frequently, expect the range to drop closer to 20 km (12.4 miles).

In my experience, the range I achieved depended heavily on factors like terrain, rider weight, and riding style. On smooth, flat roads in Standard mode, I comfortably reached the upper end of the advertised range, but on hilly terrain or in Sport mode, I noticed a dip in battery performance.

Charging takes approximately 6 hours, making it ideal to charge overnight for a full day’s use. The scooter’s Battery management System (BMS) ensures the battery is protected from overcharging, contributing to long-term durability.

Comparison with other eScooters

When comparing the NAVEE S40 Smart Electric Scooter with other scooters on the market, I’ve selected models in the same price range (CAD 800-900) to provide a clear understanding of how the S40 stacks up against its competitors. The table below offers a side-by-side comparison of key vendor specifications. These models were chosen based on price, performance, and popularity among urban commuters.

Feature	NAVEE S40	Segway Ninebot MAX G30P	Apollo Air 2024	Hiboy S2 Pro
Top Speed	32 km/h (20 mph)	30 km/h (18.6 mph)	32 km/h (20 mph)	25 km/h (15.5 mph)
Range	40 km (25 miles)	65 km (40 miles)	50 km (31 miles)	40 km (25 miles)
Battery	36V 7.65 Ah	36V 10.4 Ah	36V 10 Ah	36V 12.8 Ah
Suspension System	Dual Swingarm	Single Suspension	Single Suspension	Dual Suspension
Tire Size	10-inch Tubeless	10-inch Pneumatic	8.5-inch Pneumatic	10-inch Pneumatic
Charging Time	6 Hours	6 Hours	6 Hours	7 Hours

After comparing the NAVEE S40 alongside its competitors, it’s clear that this scooter excels in certain key areas:

• Range: While its range is shorter than the Segway Ninebot MAX G30P, it is still well-suited for most urban commutes.
• Suspension: The NAVEE S40’s dual suspension offers superior comfort compared to single-suspension systems or scooters without any suspension, making it ideal for rougher terrains.
• Smart Features: With Apple’s Find My Network integration and the NAVEE app, it stands out in the tech department, providing more connectivity and control than many competitors.
• Speed & Performance: Its 700W motor ensures high speeds, making it competitive with other premium models like the Apollo Air 2024.

Smart tech & features

This isn’t your average scooter. The NAVEE S40 packs some seriously impressive tech features that made every ride feel more connected and convenient.

The first thing I noticed was the 4-inch floating display—it’s bright and easy to read, even under direct sunlight, displaying all the key stats like speed, battery life, and riding mode. Whether I was cruising around in Standard Mode or pushing it in Sport Mode, I could easily glance at the screen without losing focus on the road.

But for me, the real magic happens with the NAVEE app. It acts as your personal control center, and I found it incredibly responsive and easy to use. Here’s where the app truly enhances the ride:

• Cruise control settings: The app allows you to activate and adjust cruise control, which quickly became one of my favorite features. After maintaining a stable speed for a few seconds, the cruise control kicks in automatically. It was a game-changer on longer rides, allowing me to relax my hand without constantly holding down the throttle. The transition was seamless, and it made riding feel effortless.
• Energy recovery levels: You can also configure the energy recovery system, which captures braking energy and adds a little extra juice to the battery. Although I didn’t notice a huge difference in real-time, it’s a cool feature that adds efficiency, especially on downhill rides or longer commutes.
• Remote locking: The ability to lock the scooter remotely was another feature I used frequently. It gave me peace of mind, especially when I had to park the scooter outside for a quick stop. The app made the locking process quick and reliable, and I never had to worry about someone tampering with the scooter.
• Tracking with apple’s find my network: While I didn’t need to use this feature during my rides, having Apple’s find my network integration adds a great layer of security. It’s a real comfort knowing that if the scooter were ever misplaced or stolen, I could track its location easily.

Overall, the NAVEE app was one of the highlights of my experience with the S40. Whether it was tweaking the cruise control, adjusting energy recovery, or just locking the scooter remotely, the app made the whole riding experience feel smart and intuitive. It’s not just an add-on—it genuinely enhances the way you interact with the scooter.

Safety features of NAVEE S40

Safety is always my top concern when riding, especially when navigating city streets. The NAVEE S40 really delivers here. Up front, the drum brake gave me smooth, controlled stops. Even when I had to brake suddenly, there was no jarring sensation. In the rear, the eABS (electronic anti-lock braking system) stepped in during those quick stops, keeping the wheels from locking up. Whether I was zipping through traffic or cruising down an open road, these brakes kept everything steady and predictable.

I put the brakes to the test more than once, especially on those days when the city felt more like an obstacle course. The eABS provided me with the confidence I needed, knowing I could stop quickly without losing control, even at higher speeds. The brakes were responsive but never felt too abrupt, making for a smooth and controlled ride.

Lights and turn signals

The signal lights were a feature I used frequently, and they were not only helpful but also practical. Both the visual and audible cues were super clear, ensuring I knew when the turn signals were active, and making sure those around me were aware of my next move. It’s a small feature, but it made a big difference when riding through busy streets.

For night rides, the headlights and taillights were lifesavers. Whether it was early morning or after sunset, these lights were bright enough to ensure I was seen by both cars and pedestrians. I always felt visible, which is key when navigating through poorly lit areas.

Final thoughts on NAVEE S40

After spending several days riding the NAVEE S40, I can confidently say this scooter is more than just a stylish ride—it’s smart and safety-focused too. The combination of the 700W motor, dual suspension, and cyberpunk-inspired design makes it stand out, but what impressed me the most was how it performed in real-world conditions. Whether you’re commuting or enjoying a leisurely ride, the NAVEE S40 offers the power and safety to make every ride enjoyable.

From the eABS braking system to the bright lights, this scooter feels like it was designed with the rider’s safety in mind. It’s the perfect blend of tech, performance, and comfort.

Ready to experience the thrill? Check out the NAVEE S40 at Best Buy and embark on your next adventure with unmatched excitement!