Segway Ninebot KickScooter Max G2 Review: Next-Level Performance

I was a huge fan of the original Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max. Its range, design, and handling were top-notch, which is why it stayed on my list of best electric scooters for so long. The new Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 takes things even further.

In this Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 review, I’ll share how it offers a smoother ride and adds some great features like turn signals and theft prevention, including Apple Find My support.

The Max G2 is just as heavy as the original, so it’s not the best choice if you need to carry it up or down stairs. But its impressive range makes it perfect for long rides. Keep reading to find out why I’m such a big fan of this model.

Segway Ninebot KickScooter Max G2 Review

Specifications

  • Motor: 450W (Maximum 1000W)
  • Top Speed: 22 mph
  • Battery: 36V 15.3Ah
  • Range: 43 miles
  • Charging Time: 6 hours
  • Tire Size: 10 inches
  • Wheel Material: Rubber
  • Brakes: Front Drum Brake & Rear Electronic Brake
  • Maximum Slope: 22%
  • Front Light: LED
  • Taillight: LED
  • Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
  • Suspension: Front Hydraulic & Rear Spring Suspension
  • Waterproof Rating: IPX5
  • Scooter Weight: 53.5 lbs
  • Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
  • Color: Black With Yellow Accents
  • Price: Check Segway Store / Check Amazon / Check Walmart

Pros

  • Comfortable for larger riders
  • Exceptionally smooth ride
  • Quick and responsive acceleration
  • Strong hill-climbing performance
  • Impressive long range
  • Built-in Apple Find My support
  • High safety features with turn signals and adjustable brakes

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Expensive

Design

The Max G2 looks a lot like the original. It’s designed for function, not flash. Aside from some yellow trim around the wheels, the style is pretty understated. I love the rear fender’s upward curve, which holds a larger taillight. It gives off a subtle retro vibe, like a car from the late ‘50s—just without the chrome.

The rear wheel connects to the body with two large spring shock absorbers. There’s also a hydraulic shock absorber for the front wheel, making the ride smoother.

One of the biggest upgrades is the addition of turn signals on the handlebars. Flip a switch, and bright orange LEDs flash to show your direction. However, depending on your size, your body might block the signals from being seen by drivers behind you.

I like that the turn signals are mounted high on the handlebars. Other scooters I’ve tested, like the Glion Balto and Apollo City, have them near the wheels. Ideally, scooters should have signals in both spots, but handlebar placement seems more visible overall.

Like most Segways, the Max G2 has a simple display in the center of the handlebars. It shows your speed, battery life, and other key info.

The Max G2 is heavy—53.5 pounds, to be exact. Carrying it up stairs is a no-go. It’s even heavier than the NIU KQi3 Max, which weighs 46.3 pounds.

Performance

The Max G2’s 1000-Watt rear motor delivers plenty of power. It handled a 6% grade hill at 11-12 mph and a steeper 9% grade at 5-6 mph. Its performance is very close to the NIU KQi3 Pro, which is my top pick for scooters overall.

I also loved how smoothly the Max G2 accelerates, even when I pushed the throttle hard. It strikes the perfect balance—not too aggressive, not too slow. The brakes are responsive but not jarring, so you won’t feel like you’re going to flip over the handlebars.

The suspension is another highlight. It handles potholes and bumps comfortably. While I wouldn’t recommend seeking out rough terrain, it’s nice to know the scooter can handle the occasional bump.

At night, the headlight shines brightly, lighting up the road about 10 feet ahead. The flat beam design prevents blinding oncoming drivers. The turn signals are also much more visible in the dark.

During testing, my first Max G2 lost power and showed an error message. Segway sent a replacement, which worked perfectly. If you run into issues, Segway offers a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

Range

Segway claims the Max G2 has a range of 28 to 43 miles. This depends on the rider’s size, how fast you go, and the weather. With a full battery, the app estimated I had 25 miles of range.

A 5.5-mile ride on a hilly, 85-degree day used 25% of the battery. That left me with an estimated 22-mile range. Other rides gave me similar results. While that’s on the lower end of Segway’s estimate, it’s pretty typical for most electric scooters.

App and Features

Pairing electric scooters with apps is becoming more common, and the Max G2 is no exception. The Segway Ninebot app (available for Android and iOS) has some standout features that I hope will become standard on more scooters.

The Max G2 includes two anti-theft features. First, you need to enter a code to start the scooter. Enter it wrong, and the brake locks, making it hard to move. Second, it supports Apple Find My, so you can track the scooter if it’s stolen. The tracking was accurate in my tests, letting me keep an eye on it all day.

The app also lets you adjust regenerative braking and traction control. Regenerative braking doesn’t add much to the battery, but it’s a nice bonus. I didn’t test traction control since I didn’t ride in the rain.

Price and Availability

The Segway Ninebot Kickscooter Max G2 hit the market in July 2023. It’s priced at $1,399, but you can often catch it on sale at different retailers. Keep an eye out for deals!

Final Thoughts

The Max G2 (second gen) comes with some great upgrades for a better ride. While the range is similar to the original (mine was on the lower end of Segway’s estimate), I was impressed by its smooth handling and handy features like turn signals and built-in Apple Find My. It’s no surprise it landed on my list of the best electric scooters.

That said, the Max G2 is heavy — a trade-off for its excellent battery life. If you need to carry it up stairs or on public transport, a lighter option like the Unagi Model One Voyager might suit you better. However, you’ll have to sacrifice range and comfort. If long-distance rides are your priority, the Segway Max G2 is one of the best choices out there.