Segway Ninebot KickScooter E2 PRO D review: more than just mid-range?

I like to test tech beyond smartphones and tablets every now and then. The KickScooter E2 PRO D from Ninebot, powered by Segway, is a nice and speedy change of pace. I look at the most important features, how far it really goes, how it feels to ride, and what sets it apart from the competition.

Unboxing and assembly

The scooter arrives well and securely packaged. Assembly is as simple as it gets: you only have to screw on the handlebar stem, everything else is pre-assembled. It looks sleek and is very well built. You don’t see any weld seams on the outside.

Technology and features

• Motor: 750 watts for the 18.8 kg scooter. It accelerates quickly and handles slopes of up to 18%, so it’s ideal for city traffic.
• Tires: patented 10-inch tubeless tires without vulnerable inner tubes. That reduces maintenance and protects against flats.
• Brakes: dual brake system with an electronic brake at the rear and a drum brake at the front.
• Lights: a bright but non-glaring front light, a permanently lit rear light with brake light. Plus turn signals on both sides of the handlebar, front and rear, which are easier to see than a single turn signal at the end of the handlebar.
• Deck: rubberized and heavily ribbed, a firm footing even in the wet.
• Handlebar: feels sturdy, grips with good traction. The brake and bell are on the left, the throttle on the right, which you press down with some feel, because the motor is strong.
• Onboard computer: 2.8-inch LED display in the handlebar, easy to read. You switch the light, change riding modes and see speed and battery status.
• Apple Find My: The E2 PRO D is compatible, so you can locate it with an Apple device if it has been stolen or you’ve forgotten where it’s parked.

App and immobilizer

In the Segway-Ninebot app 6.0 you can see the distance traveled and the battery level and install software updates. You can also set the starting speed. What surprised me was the immobilizer with a PIN: you set it in the app and enter it on the onboard computer with the throttle and brake lever before riding off. That way, when you park the scooter, it at least can’t simply be ridden away.

Ride feel

For use on public roads you need an insurance plate, which many insurers offer for roughly €30 to €50 a year. My test unit didn’t have one, so I only rode on secluded bike paths, which are also public traffic space. Please don’t copy that, get a plate.

Unlike with an e-scooter, here you have to kick off once like on a regular scooter so that the motor starts. With a little practice that works well and directly. There are three riding modes, Eco, Drive and Sport, as well as a G mode, in which the scooter rides evenly slowly at walking speed.

At a €399 RRP it’s not among the most expensive models, which makes the ride feel all the more surprising. Everything feels safe and stable, nothing rattles, and the tires have really good grip. Braking works evenly and reliably, and the motor brake when you release the throttle is pleasant as well. The traction control system (TCS) contributes to the stability.

All I missed was stronger suspension. On even roads it’s enough, on more uneven routes it gets bumpier because there are no shock absorbers. But you have to keep the price in mind.

Range and battery

• Top speed: 20 km/h
• Range: up to 35 km, on the high side for a €399 RRP. A special Segway Ninebot technology contributes to that, increasing the range by 20% without an additional battery. If you alternate between braking and full throttle, you won’t get 35 km, and slope and temperature play a role too.
• Battery: 275 watt-hours, built into the frame and not removable
• Charging time: 5.5 hours from 0 to 100%, on the long side. You should keep an eye on the battery level.
• Foldable: for transport in a car or space-saving storage

Verdict

The E2 PRO D from Segway Ninebot is a successful combination of power, range and intelligent features. It suits city rides, commuters and leisure riders. I wouldn’t ride it off-road. With the strong motor and the range technology you get far quickly, and thanks to traction control and 10-inch tires it feels safe. The long charging time and the missing shock absorbers reveal that it’s a mid-priced scooter. Build quality and ride comfort, on the other hand, feel more like premium. I had a ton of fun while testing it.