The Segway E3 Pro May Just Be the Best Entry-Level Electric Scooter for Commuters

Our resident electric scooter Expert Joe Kaminski typically tests higher-end, more powerful electric scooters that have a high top speed and can travel longer distances. He's bigger and bolder than me – he complains that he needs more power to go up hills and often drives in the middle of New York City traffic.

The entry-level Segway E3 Pro, which retails for $700 (though it currently sells for $500 on Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday.) probably not for him, but right in my wheelhouse. This is a great option for commuters who want an electric scooter that is fairly lightweight (40.1 pounds or 18.2 kg), folds easily, has decent all-around performance, and has some of the features found in higher-end models that cost around $1,000. That's why I awarded it a CNET Editors' Choice.

Read more: The best electric scooters of 2025

I've been riding Segway Ninebot electric scooters for a while now. I also purchased a few entry level models for $300 for my younger children. They only had a top speed of 13-15 mph because I didn't want my kids to go too fast.

However, the E3 Pro is more powerful than them. Fitted with 10-inch tubeless tires, it has an 800-watt motor and a top speed of 20 mph with a rated range of up to 34 miles, although this varies greatly depending on your weight, how fast you're traveling, acceleration rate, and terrain. (This 34-mile range is based on an average speed of 9 mph in Eco mode.) In other words, expect a lower maximum, but I found it to be quite adequate for my needs since I typically only travel about 10-15 miles on most of my New York City jaunts.

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Smooth ride and acceleration

I'm 5'11″ and 166 lbs, so I had no problem getting up the steeper hills. While I was happy using the standard boost setting, I preferred the sport setting for a faster ride. (Eco mode has slower acceleration and lacks power, but helps extend battery life.)

Some people may find the scooter's deck a little short and narrow at 19 inches long to the fender and 6 inches wide, but that wasn't an issue for me. Overall I was impressed with the ride quality and acceleration. (When you press the throttle, you don't get jerked forward; it's a steady acceleration, especially when you're driving at lower acceleration levels.) I found the 40-inch handlebar height to be comfortable, as did their 22-inch width. I didn't feel any rattling or wobbling in the stem while riding.

The E3 Pro features a dual suspension system (“dual elastomer”) and a long-distance 67mm swingarm design, meaning the E3 Pro wheel is mounted slightly behind the stem axle. This gives you more stability and control than a regular entry-level scooter. (According to Segway, it also features the company's SegRide stability-enhancing system.) I felt safer riding the E3 Pro than my 5-year-old Ninebot Max, which feels a little dated by comparison, although it still performs fine.

The E3 Pro features a front drum brake and an electronic rear brake. There are better braking systems (such as disc brakes) that will allow you to stop faster. It's good that you have a mechanical brake, but in the unlikely event that the electronic brake fails. I managed to stop about 22 feet from the target speed of 15 mph. But if you weigh more, this distance will increase or become shorter if you are lighter. I try to avoid using the brakes and just let off the gas when I want to slow down.

Some useful additions and support for Bluetooth applications.

The E3 Pro has a few extra bells and whistles, including a real bell, 4W headlight, rear brake light, turn signals, and under-deck RGB lighting. There's Apple's Find My feature and the companion Segway Mobility app for iOS and Android, which I used to update the scooter's firmware and battery firmware, as well as activate the traction control, set the starting speed, set the RGB lighting, and turn on the security mode, which locks the scooter's dashboard.

Quite a simple elevator

As I said, folding the scooter is relatively easy, although it helps to keep an eye on it training video before doing it for the first time. You simply push the folding switch with your foot with some force (you need to release the switch first) and pull the steering wheel towards you.

At 40.1 pounds, it is quite light for an electric scooter. However, not everyone can lift 40 pounds easily, and carrying the E3 Pro requires a bit of strength. The problem is that higher caliber scooters tend to weigh even more, so there is a trade-off between performance and weight. I would have preferred it to weigh about 10 pounds less, but few electric scooters weigh less than 30 pounds—at least the ones worth buying.

If I have one small complaint about the design, it's that the kickstand isn't slightly longer or positioned closer to the front of the deck like earlier Ninebot Max models, so the scooter doesn't lean as much as when the kickstand is down. I kept wishing the scooter would rise a few more degrees.

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Segway does so many models of electric scootersIt can be a little difficult to choose which one to buy, especially since the models are stored in it for a while. Step forward Segway F3 The scooter has superior suspension and braking, as well as more power (1,000-watt motor) and longer range (up to 44 miles), but costs about $250 more.

There is also a 2 year old child Max G2 about $100 more expensive than the E3 Pro, which offers a higher top speed (22 mph), longer range (43 miles), and more power (1,000 watts). There are also additional lowered models in the Max line. The Max G2 is aimed a bit at intermediate or advanced riders with long commutes, while the E3 Pro is perhaps a little more user-friendly for beginner riders who want a stable ride with smooth acceleration, as well as some premium features at a reasonable price. However, it's well suited for any average driver on short to medium journeys, so it's great for last mile trips to and from the train station.

For a little less, you can upgrade to something like Swiss design. VMAX VX5 Pro (about $450), but it doesn't offer the Segway E3 Pro's top speed or range. And Segway still sells E2 Pro for around $400, with the same top speed and range as the VMAX VX5 Pro. I think the E3 Pro is a better choice if you can afford it because you feel like you're entering more premium territory without paying a premium price.

Key Features of the Segway E3 Pro

• Weight: 40.1 lb (18.2 kg)
• Maximum power: 800 W
• Maximum range: up to 34 miles per charge (Eco mode, 9 mph average)
• Maximum speed: 20 mph
• 10″ tubeless tires
• Maximum incline 18%
• Double suspension system (double elastomer)
• Brakes: Front drum and rear electronic brakes.
• Improved SegRide stability and traction control
• Safety Features: 4W LED headlight, turn signals and rear brake light.
• Bluetooth connection with support for the Segway Mobility app for iOS and Android.
• Works with Apple Find My