In just a few short years, electric transportation has become the preferred method of transportation for many. Electric scooters, in particular, are popular to get around town. Their easy and fun to ride, and accessible on public transportation. Plus dedicated bike lanes ensure you have a safe and convenient route around cities and towns.
No two electric kick scooters are created equal. They come in different designs, features, top speeds, weights, and more. In this article, I’ll compare three electric scooters: the Segway Ninebot G30P MAX, the Gyrocopters Flash 3.0, and the Unagi Model One E500. This should help you decide which one is right for you.
Design of Segway, Gyrocopters, and Unagi scooters
Having all three kick scooters side-by-side provides insight into their design characteristics. The Segway Ninebot Max has a sturdy build constructed with premium material. It’s designed as a commuter vehicle. It has a 350-watt motor and large 10-inch shock absorption tires. Together, this ensures a long smooth ride on various surfaces. A large standing area makes long-distance rides comfortable. The charging block is also built into the frame. That means you only need to carry a single cable to charge it on-the-fly.
The Gyrocopters Flash 3.0 also sports a 350-watt motor but it has smaller 8.5-inch rubber tires. Like the Segway Ninebot, these are tube-less tires which means they’re burst proof. The standing platform is slightly smaller than the Ninebot and the charging block is not built into the frame.
The Unagi One has the most compact design of the three. It sports dual 250-watt motors and 7.5” solid rubber tires. This reduces the scooter’s ability to absorb shock. More on that later. The standing platform is small and narrow but still comfortable to ride. Like the Gyrocopters Flash 3.0, the charging block is not built into the frame.
Folding and weight
A big consideration for any electric kick scooter is portability. All three scooters had relatively easy folding mechanisms. The Ninebot and Flash 3.0 have similar folding procedures where the handlebar collapses and clips to the back tire. The Unagi One’s handlebar also folds down but it doesn’t lock to the back tire. Nevertheless, it locks in place, and the entire unit can be carried from the handlebar.
For many, the overall weight is the deciding factor. At some point in time, you’ll have to carry the scooter around. This could be upstairs, in elevators, or on the bus or train. The Segway Ninebot is the heaviest, weighing 41lbs. Next is the Gyrocopters Flash 3.0 weighing approximately 26lbs. Finally, the Unagi One weighs the least at 24lbs. I took the Segway Ninebot on the Skytrain in Vancouver. I was able to carry it up the stairs and onto the Skytrain without much issue. It was heavy but manageable as I regularly lift weights. The average female would likely struggle with the weight of the Segway Ninebot. In contrast, the other two kick scooters are very easy to carry around.
Speed and range
Many people are looking to replace their vehicles to commute to and from work. Combined with public transportation, kick scooters become a viable commuter option. Users can lock it at the bus station or take it with them to work.
The Segway Ninebot has a max speed of 30km/h and a whopping 65km range. Basically, that means you could ride it for two hours straight on a single charge. The other scooters don’t even come close. The Gyrocopters Flash 3.0 has a max speed of 25km/h and a 28km range. That’s half the range of the Ninebot. The Unagi One has a max speed of 30 km/h and a 25km range.
Rideability
If you’re looking for an electric scooter, it’s a good idea to know the type of terrain you’ll be riding on. The Segway Ninebot provides the best riding experience out of the three. It works best on all types of surfaces: sidewalks, roads, gravel, and grass. The Gyrocopters Flash 3.0 also does well on different types of terrain. Like the Ninebot Max, it absorbs a lot of the shock from riding over sidewalk cracks and bumps. This results in a comfortable riding experience. The Unagi One is great on smooth flat surfaces like dedicated bike lanes on roads. It’s a very bumpy ride on rough surfaces like old sidewalks. There is little to no shock absorption.
Hill climbing
The Ninebox Max worked the best up hills. I rode it up a very steep hill in New Westminster, B.C. I don’t know what the hill grade was, but it was amazing to see it climb that hill with relative ease. Segway states that it can do up to 20 degrees of incline.
Also with 20-degree hill climbing, the Gyrocopters Flash 3.0 has a similar riding experience as the Ninebot. However, you do notice the slower speed up hills. The Unagi One also does surprisingly well up hills with a maximum incline of 15 degrees. The dual motors produce an immense amount of torque to push it up hills.
Which scooter should you get?
After trying all three scooters I have a very good idea of who these are for. If you’re commuting long distances, the Segway Ninebot Max is for you. However, I highly recommend you get the optional lock. It clips onto the handlebar so you always have it on hand. This enables you to lock it up so you don’t have to carry it. It’s a must-have accessory for the Ninebot Max.
The Unagi One is a beautiful, fun scooter. It’s fast and lightweight. However, it’s not fun on rough surfaces like cracked sidewalks. The ride becomes bumpy and uncomfortable. This will appeal to people who live in dense urban areas with dedicated bike lanes. It’s also super easy to carry around on a bus or train. However, it is pricey so you will have to pay more for this compact, but highly functional design.
The Gyrocopters Flash 3.0 is really the middle of the two. It rides similarly to the Ninebot Max but has a weight closer to the Unagi One. To me, it’s the working-class kick scooter. Gets the job done without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for the best value, the best bang for your buck—the Flash 3.0 will not disappoint. In fact, if I had to buy a kick scooter for myself, I would probably pick it. I see it as the scooter for the everyday person. However, I wish it went up to 30 km/h. I notice the 5 km/h difference, especially down long straight paths.
Electric scooters are a great investment
Getting around doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many different electric scooters to choose from at different price points. Think of it as an investment in mobility convenience. No matter which one you choose, don’t forget to get a helmet, a lock, and a backpack. Use it to pick up some groceries, take it on the bus, and ditch your car for good. This electric scooter buying guide will help you decide which electric kick scooter is right for you.
