New Segways – In the midst of the latest smartphones, always more efficient, more foldable and more expensive, a small karting silently performs laps on a mini track. That’s it, we’re at Segway.
At the heart of Mobile World Congress Barcelona, Europe’s largest exhibition for mobile ecosystems and connectivity, this stand in hall 3 is surprising. On the menu, no telephone, but scooters, scooters and a go-kart, all electric. It makes you wonder if the brand has not gone to the wrong place!
Segway, which already sells scooters in France (50 cc equivalent) – with relative discretion – was also at the Lyon two-wheeler show. But to establish its notoriety and insist on the “connected” aspect of its vehicles, the brand is putting the cover back in Catalonia.
By starting its activity at the end of 2001 with the marketing of an imposing two-wheeled self-balancing personal transporter, also called Segway, the American firm has made a name for itself.
But, bought in the spring of 2015 by the Chinese Ninebot, it abandoned this niche market to focus on more profitable means of mobility with, first of all, electric scooters. Then scooters, buggies and, now, a go-kart and even an autonomous robot mower.
Scooters, of which Segway sold 62,000 units in France in 2022, are worth a detour, with constant developments and the appearance on the latest models ofa geolocation system (in case of theft) and turn signals.
The range even includes an XXL model which, contrary to what the law imposes, exceeds 25 km/h; it is GT2P (€2,990), prohibited outside privateé, equipped with two driving wheels and a 3 kW motor, capable of spinning at more than 70 km/h.
We couldn’t resist the idea of climbing on it. Verdict: there is enough to move even a biker.
For the time being, in France, the challenge for the Sino-American manufacturer lies with scooters, whose names are nevertheless rather poorly chosen: the model called Segway E125S is, as its name does not indicate, a 50 cc equivalent (with ABS). Same for the E110S.
They compete in a booming sector: 71 different brands have sold at least one 50 scooter in France over the last six months! To find at Segway a equivalent 125 cc, we must turn to the novelty 2023, called E300SE.
Very close aesthetically to its range brothers (it only stands out from them by an increased wheelbase), the scooter displays a very consensual appearance, sympathetic but fairly versatile.
It also incorporates the main principles of other Segways, with in particular two removable batteries – from 4 kWh capacity and 14 kg each – located in the floorthus freeing up a real trunk under the stitched saddle, with a capacity of 34 liters.
This trunk can also, for “big wheels”, carry a third optional battery, then bringing the autonomy from 85 to about 120 kilometers.
The E300SE, equipped with ABS, traction control and cruise control, available in black only, shows a very honest level of finish, but its apron only accommodates open storage. One can, however, thanks to un port USBrecharge an electronic device.
Contrary to appearances (a location for the ignition key is present), this Segway can also be started “hands-free” or from a smartphonethrough a specific app with which various settings are offered, such as the sound of the turn signal or the activation of the automatic turn signal reminder.
The E300SE also incorporates a sim card, free for two years, also allowing its geolocation.
While waiting for a next test, which we will schedule during the spring, Segway announces a power of 10 kW (i.e. the equivalent of 13.6 hp) and strong acceleration, with a passage from 0 to 50 km/h in 2.9 seconds, as well asa maximum speed of 105 km/h.
The brand, whose stock of spare parts for Europe is in the Netherlands, already has 80 scooter dealers in France, where the E300SE, expected in May, will be offered from €4,790.
As to electric karting called Ninebot Gokart PRO, it weighs a quintal, runs at 40 km/h and carries a 0.43 kWh capacity battery. Prohibited on the road as on cycle paths, it distills 4.8 kW (6.5 hp) and 96 Nm of torque.
A nice toy charged at €1,990which has nothing to envy to a 4-stroke rental karting in terms of acceleration, whose rear axle is none other than a small removable Segway integrating the battery.
But for karting rentals, there will be a catch: the Ninebot only displays a maximum of 25 kilometers of autonomy.
News about electric scooters, seen by auto-moto.com:
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