I’m not one to keep you guessing. When it comes to the Segway Ninebot F30 vs F35 vs F40, each scooter has its own strengths. That said, I personally recommend the Segway Ninebot F40.
The Segway Ninebot F-series has made a significant impact in the electric scooter market. Among the standout models in this popular lineup are the F30, F35, and F40. After conducting thorough research, I’ve discovered that while these Ninebot scooters share many similarities, they also have distinct differences that I will explore in this article.
In this post, I’ll examine their build quality, design, ride comfort, performance, power, and features. I’ll highlight both the similarities and differences between the F30, F35, and F40 in each of these areas. Additionally, I’ll provide my expert opinion on which scooter to choose based on specific considerations at the end of each section.
As a quick tip: all three scooters have similar features, build quality, and design—except for the battery differences that will be discussed in the performance section.
If you’re primarily interested in understanding the differences between these models, be sure to check out the sections on performance and ride quality.
Key Specifications of Segway Ninebot F30 vs F35 vs F40
| Specifications | Segway Ninebot F30 | Segway Ninebot F35 | Segway Ninebo F40 |
| Motor Power | 300W | 350W | 350W |
| Top Speed | 15.5 mph | 18.6 mph | 18.6 mph |
| Battery Capacity | 275 Wh | 275 Wh | 367 |
| Range | 18.6 miles | 25 miles | 25 miles |
| Charging Time | 4 to 5 hours | 4 to 5 hours | 5 to 6 hours |
| Weight | 33.3 lbs | 33.3 lbs | 34.8 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 265 lbs |
Build Quality and Design
In this section, I’ll dive into the build quality and design of the Segway Ninebot F Series electric scooters. While these models share many similarities, I’ll also highlight any differences that stand out.
Foot Deck: The foot decks on these scooters are spacious, measuring 7 inches wide, and come with rubber padding. This thoughtful design not only provides excellent grip but also acts as a shock absorber, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride.
Build Quality: All three models—the F30, F35, and F40—are built to last. They feature sturdy steel frames that offer impressive durability and can support heavier riders. Just keep in mind that this robust construction adds a bit to their overall weight.
Weight Capacity: The F30 and F35 have a maximum payload of 220 lbs, while the F40 can handle up to 265 lbs. However, for optimal battery life, it’s best to limit the load to around 200 lbs for the F30 and F35 and keep the F40 under 220 lbs for peak performance.
Rubber Padded Bottom: Each scooter is equipped with a rubber-padded bottom that enhances stability during rides. This padding absorbs vibrations and minor shocks, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Battery Placement: The battery is cleverly integrated into the deck of these scooters. This placement helps with weight distribution and contributes to a well-balanced ride, although it does add some weight.
Charging Port: You’ll find the charging port conveniently located on the front side of the deck, making it easy to plug in and power up your scooter.
Durability: The Segway F-series scooters are known for their exceptional build quality, featuring sturdy steel frames and rubber-padded bottoms that ensure durability and stability during rides. They cater to riders weighing between 66 to 265 lbs (30-120 kg). Plus, all components—from motors to batteries—are designed for long-lasting performance.
Handlebars: The handlebars measure 19 inches wide and are fixed at one height. They come with comfortable grips and a small integrated display screen. The controls are minimalistic, featuring just one button for easy operation.
Dimensions: When unfolded, the F30, F35, and F40 measure about 45 x 18.9 x 45.7 inches (1143 x 480 x 1160 mm), providing a comfortable riding posture. When folded, they become compact at around 45 x 18.9 x 19.5 inches (1143 x 480 x 495 mm), making them easy to transport.
Net Weight: The F30 and F35 weigh approximately 33.3 lbs (15.1 kg), while the F40 is slightly heavier at around 34.8 lbs (15.8 kg). Despite the minimal difference in weight between the F30 and F35, the high performance of the F35 makes it a strong competitor against the lightweight design of the F40.
Optimal Height: These scooters are designed with handlebar heights that accommodate riders up to 6’3″ tall, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic experience for a variety of users.
Firmware Versions: When it comes to firmware versions for these scooters, those prior to version 5.4.8 are often preferred by users looking to modify or customize their rides. However, for optimal performance and safety, sticking with the latest firmware is recommended.
Tires: Each scooter is equipped with 10-inch anti-skid tubeless pneumatic tires that provide excellent shock absorption over bumps and imperfections on various surfaces, including grass. These tires also offer reliable traction on wet or slippery paths. Plus, each scooter comes with an extra tire—though replacing them can be tricky!
Front Motor: The motor is cleverly positioned within the front wheel of these scooters, allowing for balanced power distribution and efficient propulsion as you ride.
Build Design: All three models showcase a modern and sleek design in dark gray tones, but the F40 stands out with its eye-catching orange accents. In terms of aesthetics, the F40 is definitely the most visually striking of the trio, followed closely by the F35 and then the F30.
Which One Has Better Build?
The Segway Ninebot F30, F35, and F40 all offer similar build quality and designs overall; however, I think the F40 has a slightly cooler look. While the F30 and F35 are a bit lighter, none of them significantly stand out in terms of build quality at this point.
Performance Comparison and Review
Let’s dive into the performance of these scooters and see how they stack up against each other. Unlike their build and features, the performance of the F30, F35, and F40 shows some notable differences.
Motor Power: All three scooters come equipped with a front-wheel brushless hub motor. The F30 delivers a solid 300W under normal conditions and can peak at 700W, but keep in mind that it drains the battery faster when running at peak power. On the other hand, both the F35 and F40 provide 350W under normal conditions, with a peak of 700W as well. The F40 really shines for longer rides, making it a great choice for those extended journeys.
Battery and Charging: The batteries for these scooters are tucked away in the foot deck, which does add some weight. They use external lithium-ion batteries and require standard 36V chargers, with a maximum charging voltage of 42V. The F30 and F35 are equipped with a 7650 mAh battery, giving them a nominal energy capacity of 275 Wh and taking about 5 hours to charge. In contrast, the F40 has a larger 10200 mAh battery with a nominal capacity of 367 Wh, which takes around 6 hours to charge but offers extended range capabilities.
Range: When it comes to range, the advertised numbers for these scooters might not impress everyone. In ideal conditions—think flat terrain, no headwinds, and riding at slower speeds—the F30 and F35 can go up to 18.6 miles. However, pushing the F35 to its limits can drain the battery quickly. The F30 averages about 15 miles under optimal conditions for riders weighing less than 200 lbs. The standout here is definitely the F40, which boasts an impressive, advertised range of 25 miles under similar ideal conditions for riders up to 220 lbs.
Top Speed: The F30 reaches a top speed of around 15.5 mph (25 kph), making it suitable for most city commutes. In comparison, both the F35 and F40 can hit speeds of up to 18.6 mph (30 kph). While the F35 may struggle to maintain this speed over long distances, the F40 excels with its superior battery capacity that ensures consistent high-speed performance. Sure, the F30 trails behind in speed, but there are some hacks to help it go faster!
Torque & Acceleration: One thing to note about these scooters is their relatively slow acceleration, which might not be ideal for steep hills or strong headwinds. Riders will notice that speed builds gradually. Among them, the F30 has the slowest acceleration; the F35 offers a moderate boost, while the F40 provides a better acceleration curve thanks to its larger battery.
Braking: All three scooters come with a dual braking system that includes a front-wheel regenerative electric brake and a rear-wheel disc brake. You can engage the disc brake by pulling the lever on the left side of the handlebar, and you can even adjust it to your liking! The regenerative braking kicks in as soon as you let off the throttle, enhancing safety while also helping with battery efficiency. When properly adjusted, you can expect the F30 to stop in about 10 feet from max speed, while both the F35 and F40 have similar stopping distances of around 12 feet.
Hill Climbing: When it comes to tackling hills, these scooters do have their limits—they can handle slopes with a maximum incline of about 15%. The F30 isn’t particularly great for climbing due to its slower acceleration, but both the F35 and F40 perform better in this area. Just remember that hill climbing works best if you reduce your weight and choose the fastest mode; if you’re planning on extended climbs, opt for the F40! While their tires grip well on inclines, keep in mind they’re tubeless and can be prone to punctures.
Handling & Control: All three scooters offer decent maneuverability, but if you’re looking for control, the F30 takes the cake here. Its lower speeds make it easy to handle and brake—perfect for those who are new to electric scooters or prefer simplicity and safety in their rides. The F35 and F40 also provide responsive handling; their shock absorption makes them comfortable on uneven surfaces while their smooth acceleration keeps rides enjoyable for everyone.
Which One Performs Better?
In terms of performance, I’d say the Segway Ninebot F40 really stands out—it’s got more power, speed, better acceleration, hill-climbing capabilities, and an impressive range compared to its siblings. However, this comes at a higher price point and its braking isn’t quite as effective as what you’ll find on the F30 due to that extra power. The F35 does offer increased top speed and power too but falls short on range compared to the others; like the F40, its braking isn’t as reliable as that of the F30 either. So while the F30 might not lead in performance metrics, it’s definitely easier to control and feels safer overall!
Comparison of Features and Details
Portability & Folding: Even though the F30, F35, and F40 are built tough, they’re surprisingly portable. Weighing in at around 33.1 lbs for the F30 and F35, and 34.8 lbs for the F40, you can easily carry them over distances. Their folding mechanisms are pretty user-friendly, though I’ve noticed that the F40 does require a bit of muscle to unlock. While these scooters are a bit longer than you might expect given their performance, they still fit nicely into compact spaces for easy transport.
Riding/Speed Modes: These scooters come with three riding modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. Eco mode is all about efficiency, but it does mean slower acceleration. If you want to hit top speed with moderate acceleration, Standard mode is your best bet. And if you’re looking for peak power? Sport mode is where it’s at, giving you the fastest acceleration and top speed. In Eco mode, the F35 and F40 can reach about 9.5 mph, while the F30 is just a tad slower.
Adjustable Brakes: One great feature of these scooters are their adjustable brakes. This allows riders to customize their braking preferences for better safety and control while riding.
Front Light & Brake Light: Safety is key with these scooters, and they come equipped with front LED lights to help you see and be seen. The F35 has a 2.1W LED light, while the F30 and F40 boast brighter 2.5W lights. Turning on the flashlight is as easy as pressing the power button! Plus, there’s a brake light that automatically activates and blinks when you pull the brake lever, adding an extra layer of safety during your rides.
Security & Anti-Theft Features: While these scooters do include some handy anti-theft features like Bluetooth locking and motor locking alerts, they’re missing some advanced security options like wheel locks or digital passcodes for added protection.
Battery Management: The battery management system in these scooters is crucial for keeping things safe and extending battery life. It protects against overheating, short circuits, over-current, over-discharge, and over-charge—so you can ride with peace of mind! These batteries are built to last too, typically lasting between 3 to 5 years without significant performance drops over time.
Spare Tire Tube: Each scooter comes with a spare tire and tube included in the package. However, swapping them out can be a bit tricky and might require some technical know-how.
Additional Features & Accessories: While these scooters don’t come with certain accessories like phone holders or rearview mirrors right out of the box, those can be added separately if you want them. On the bright side, they do include extras like a spare tire, taillight, battery management system (BMS), and water resistance features.
Water Resistance: With an IPX5 water resistance rating, these scooters can handle light rain and splashes without any issues. Just keep in mind that submerging them in water or exposing them to heavy rainfall isn’t recommended.
Which One has Better Features?
When it comes to features across the Segway Ninebot F30, F35, and F40 models, they’re pretty much on par with each other. The real differences lie in their performance and ride comfort!
Ride Quality, Comfort, and Experience
Kick Start: To get moving on any of these scooters, you’ll need to give them a little kick start. Unlike some electric scooters that have a “zero start” feature, these models require that initial push to get going.
Handling: Handling these scooters is a breeze! The F30 is the easiest to control of the trio, thanks to its lower speeds that make it simple to brake and cruise. With a ground clearance of 10 cm (3.9 inches), they’re quite manageable. The F35 and F40 are also easy to handle, and their good shock absorption means they can tackle uneven terrains with ease. Even if you’re new to riding, you’ll find the smooth and gradual acceleration makes for a delightful experience.
Suspension: Instead of the traditional suspension systems you might expect, the F-series scooters take a different approach. They rely on their large 10-inch pneumatic tires to soak up minor bumps and vibrations. Plus, the rubber-padded bottom adds an extra layer of comfort, resulting in a smooth ride. While they aren’t designed for off-roading, they do provide a pleasant experience on paved roads compared to other scooters.
Off-Roading: If you’re thinking about taking these scooters off-road, you might want to reconsider. Their pneumatic tires and larger size make them better suited for paved roads and pathways rather than rugged terrain. They handle minor bumps well, but once you venture off-road, their limitations become clear since their suspension mainly relies on tire size and the rubber-padded deck. That said, some F40 models come with front suspension, making them a bit more capable for light off-roading—especially if you’re tackling steep hills.
Throttle Control: All three scooters come with right-hand thumb throttles that are super easy to use. The throttle controls are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Just keep in mind that the F30’s throttle operation might not be as smooth as what you’ll find on the F35 and F40—especially when used with regenerative braking—but this can actually make it a safer option for riders.
Which One Offers Better Riding Experience?
If you’re looking for consistent but shorter rides, I’d recommend the Segway Ninebot F30. It may not have the smoothest throttle operation or quickest acceleration, but it’s simple and easy to handle. For longer journeys with some stops along the way, either the Ninebot F35 or F40 would be great choices thanks to their smoother operation and quicker pick-up. And if you’re planning on tackling inconsistent or uneven terrains with steep paths, definitely go for the Ninebot F40!
Value and Worth for Price
The F-series scooters from Segway Ninebot offer great value for your money, especially considering Ninebot’s solid reputation for durability, build quality, design, and ride comfort.
If you’re on a budget, the F30 is a fantastic option that delivers excellent value.
While the F35 and F40 are priced similarly, the F35 doesn’t quite hold up in terms of value for its cost. On the other hand, the F40 is a well-rounded scooter that offers just the right price for what you get.
So, when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, both the F30 and F40 are solid choices!
Final Thoughts: Which One to Choose
In conclusion, the Segway Ninebot F30, F35, and F40 are all impressive electric scooters, each with its own unique features. They share a lot of similarities in build quality and design, making them reliable and durable options for riders of various weights. However, they do have distinct differences, particularly when it comes to performance and ride quality.
Let’s break down our expert recommendations for choosing the right scooter based on what you need:
Build Quality & Design
All three models boast excellent build quality and design, but the F40 really stands out with its eye-catching accents that make it visually appealing.
Performance
If you’re after the best overall performance—think power, speed, acceleration, and hill climbing—the F40 is your top pick. For those who want a good balance between performance and range, the F35 is a solid compromise. Meanwhile, the F30 may not offer the same level of performance, but it’s incredibly easy to control and a great choice for new riders looking for safety.
Features
When it comes to features, all three scooters are identical, so this shouldn’t be a deciding factor in your choice.
Ride Quality & Experience
If you’re looking for a scooter for consistent but short-range rides, I’d recommend the F30 for its simplicity and safety. For rides that might include some stops along the way and a smoother experience, either the F35 or F40 would work well. And if you plan to tackle uneven terrains with steep paths, definitely go for the F40—especially if it has front suspension.
Overall, I’d suggest the Segway Ninebot F40 if you’re expecting long rides on steep hills and want top-notch performance. It’s a well-rounded scooter with a reasonable price considering its features and build quality.
Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize performance, range, or ease of use, there’s a Segway Ninebot F-series scooter that’s perfect for you!