Segway ES1 is a very unique vehicle and it catches the eye as soon as you see it on the road.
There’s something whimsical and yet practical about its design and features, which is the main reason behind the ES1’s worldwide popularity.
This vehicle is considered by many to be an ideal alternative to cars or motorcycles when they want to travel a short distance.
This adult-electric scooter is also ideal for a casual trip around the park if you’re not keen on having a walk.
The Segway ES1 is from the company’s KickScooter line and it comes with a number of interesting upgrades. This review explores the scooter and its new features in detail so you can decide if this incredible scooter is for you.
Before getting further in the Segway ES1 review, it’s a good idea to have a look at some of the specs and features of the scooter. It will give you some idea of what to expect from the product.
Quality
Price
What we like
- Packed of different features
- Sturdy construction
- Rubber wheels and deck
- Cruise control
- Anti-lock electrical and manual braking systems
- Overall superior riding experience
What we don’t like
- Non-adjustable handlebar
- Might be too heavy for some users to carry
Max speed: 12.4 mph
Range: 15.5 miles
Max load: 220lbs
- Wheels diameter - 7.8 inches / 19.8 cm
- Weight - 25 lbs / 11 kg
- Max climbing angle - 10%
- Engine - 250W
- Battery charge time - 3.5 hours
- Battery Capacity - 187 WH
Summary
The company definitely listened to the feedback from past customers and made critical improvements in the scooter’s construction and overall performance.
ES1 delivers an incredible user experience compared to other alternatives available in the market today or in the past.
The Features Of Segway ES1
It is important to explore all of the product’s highlighting features in-depth in this Segway ES1 review to understand its true potential. Here’s a look at some of the product’s key features:
#1 Clean And Simple Design
The company has nailed that aspect of the design because the ES1 is clean, without any excessive accessories that might take up foot space or make the scooter heavier.
This allows users to take their scooter anywhere they like. They can easily fold it up and carry it into a bus, car, or other locations.
The scooter’s sleek black color ensures it looks sophisticated and is ideal for adults to carry around. The handlebars are gray in color, which helps to maintain the overall adult feel.
They have an anti-slip grip to make riding more comfortable. Bright red reflector stripes ensure the Segway is visible to vehicles at night, which help to keep you safe on the road and off the road (for all off road e-scooters see this article).
Segway has certainly made great design choices to ensure the scooter was appealing to an adult audience.
#2 The Wheel Design
The wheels are the biggest improvement introduced by this company. Past models had inflatable tires that were difficult to change and more likely to be punctured.
Many Segway users had to deal with repeated flat tire incidences, which compromised the quality of their riding experience.
The wheels of ES1 are made from durable rubber and are nearly 8 inches in diameter. The front tires are a little bit smaller than the rear tires, which ensures the scooter remains balanced.
Their size and composition ensure a high level of comfort and an overall great riding experience.
#3 Suspension And Shock Absorption
The truth is that there isn’t much between the rider and the road they’re riding on. That means if the road has some small bumps and holes, you’re definitely going to feel it.
The ES1 has a heavy-coil suspension mechanism in the front wheel. This mechanism ensures that the riders have a smoother experience as there’s less bouncing and jerking. The suspension just absorbs most of these sharp movements and lets you focus on enjoying the ride. That’s what you’re supposed to do, isn’t it?
I’ve heard a lot of other users also mentioning the Segway ES1’s much smoother riding experience compared to other alternatives in the market.
The wheel design and setting allow riders improved control over the speed, balance, and precision. The overall design makes the ride easier and much more comfortable.
#4 Weight
Electric scooters are compact and portable, but many of them aren’t really light or easy to carry. It is difficult to strike the right balance between portability and sturdiness because many durable materials are also heavy.
The ES1 is a definite improvement over the past models of the electric scooters by Segway. It is over 2.2 lbs lighter than its predecessor.
While this might not seem like the biggest improvement, the difference is noticeable to most Segway users.
This product is light-weight enough for you to fold it and carry it in a case without feeling too much strain.
It is important to make sure you know how to fold the Segway properly to reduce the risk of damage.
#5 Ease Of Use
The Segway ES1 requires assembly before use, but the assembly process isn’t too difficult. The company provides detailed instructions on the process and you can also look at some online videos to get a hang of it.
The assembly process will take no more than 15 to 20 minutes if you read and follow the instructions well.
Learning how to ride the scooter might require a few practice attempts but it is easy to figure out how it works and then ride comfortably.
Once you get a hang of the self-balancing techniques, the ride will be smooth and easy.
#6 Stability
All Segway scooters are known for their stability, which makes them one of the most reliable vehicles in their category. The scooter deck is one of the primary reasons for this stability.
Its’ surface is made from anti-slip rubber that provides a great grip even on rougher roads. With this model you will be sure not to experience any significant wobble or other such uncertainty during the ride.
The design is tested and approved by many safety organizations so you can feel really safe riding this beauty. Superior stability features make the rides easier also for people who have never ridden an electric scooter before.
Segway’s construction is solid and can bear substantial use without breaking or placing riders at risk.
#7 Charge And Miles On A Single Charge
The ES1 has a great battery and offers good mileage on it. You can get up to 15.5 miles on a single charge, which is a better performance than other alternatives available in the market.
This charge should be more than enough to cover basic commutes and short-distance travels.
You can also add a second battery to extend the ES1’s range by a considerable margin which makes a great upgrade for the scooter.
The extension will increase the maximum traveling distance from 15.5 miles to 28 miles. This is a great option for people who use their Segways frequently and travel heavily on it.
You don’t need to charge it repeatedly between uses.
Even without the second battery expansion, you can cover considerable distances with your scooter.
Most people don’t travel too far on this vehicle anyway, because extended use isn’t very comfortable and obviously takes more time than taking a car or public transportation.
#8 Speed
The Segway ES1 can reach a speed of up to a whopping 12.4 mph. This is enough to ensure you’ll have a good time while on this scooter but at the same time you’ll be sure to get home safe.
It will be perfect for covering quite a good distance in a short time which makes it a perfect commuter scooter.
#9 Control And Additional Features
Riders can control the speed of their scooter through digital controls located between the handlebars.
This point is accessible and easily visible, which improves the riding experience. You don’t have to keep your foot on the accelerator paddle at all times to control the pace. Just enjoy the ride!
The Segway ES1 also has additional features like LED lights. They illuminate the road and make your scooter more visible to other travelers.
This improves the overall safety of the machine and allows you to use the scooter in early mornings or late evenings without any fear of not being noticed.
The lights also make the scooter safer for children, though it is important to keep an eye on kids if they’re using this vehicle. But that’s the case with kids in any case, you have to keep an eye on them.
#10 Maximum Load
The Segway can handle a maximum load of around 220lbs. This means it can handle most people and whatever loads they carry like backpacks or purses.
It can also accommodate two small people, though it is safer to ride alone on this small scooter.
This is a way better performance compared to the other alternatives available in the market today.
People who are very tall and much heavier than 220lbs might first want to try the scooter out in a store before ordering from online to make sure it feels comfortable and safe.
#11 What Kind Of Surfaces Can It Handle?
The Segway ES1 offers the most comfortable ride on paved concrete or asphalt roads. However, you can also use it on brick or stone roads.
As the scooter is rated for water safety, you can ride it in rainy or wet conditions if necessary.
It is a good idea to avoid roads that are too damaged or too harsh because it will be difficult to maintain a good balance on them. And of course the overall riding experience will not be so nice on those kind of roads either.
The wheels are sturdy so you can experiment with different kinds of surfaces to determine where you can ride the scooter.
#12 Braking System
The rear wheel has an anti-lock brake system that must be engaged manually. This takes some practice, but once you get accustomed to it, riding is easy. Segway also has an electric brake system that provides better-stopping ability.
The advanced braking system makes the ES1 a truly safer ride. The Segway also has an alloy kickstand that can be engaged with just your foot. This is an upgrade from the previous models because you had to bend down and engage the stand with your hands before.
Who Is The Segway ES1 Best Suited For?
The ES1 is a safe and sturdy scooter that can be used by people of different ages easily. The scooter is suitable for children above the age of 12, teenagers, and adults.
Be sure to take the construction, dimensions, and load capacity of this vehicle into consideration before making your purchase.
If you’re buying the scooter for your child, make sure they’re responsible enough to handle it. While Segways are designed for safety, they can be risky if used recklessly. If your child is liable to perform any kind of stunt with the Segway, it might be a good idea to wait for a few years before buying one for them.
The Segway ES1 is a great investment if you’re looking for an alternative, eco-friendly way to travel short distances.
The new features, design improvements, and better control ensure this is one of the best electric scooters in the market. Make sure to check it out yourself!
PS! If you’re interested in an upgraded version of the Segway ES1, then check out my Segway ES2 review. Bear in mind that the improvements made come with additional cost.