Segway Ninebot E22 Review

Design

Handlebars

Adding to all that comfort is the Segway Ninebot E22’s handlebars – grippy, ergonomic, and with a built-in multifunctional LED display dashboard in the center.

Here’s where you’ll view your riding stats, select your ride mode (more on that later, too), and keep an eye on your speed, mileage, and battery life.

Safety-wise, the handlebars do their bit, too. They’re where you’ll find the E22’s electronic brake, throttle, and bell. Just below the handlebars is the scooter’s front-facing 2.5W LED light – ideal for maximizing your visibility and providing peace of mind during those moonlit meanders.

Whilst both throttle and brake paddles are buttery-smooth to operate and don’t get stuck like they can on some cheaper models, I would have preferred to see a hand-operated brake as opposed to a thumb paddle. For new riders, the electronic brake takes some getting used whilst a traditional hand brake will be second nature to those that are used to riding bikes.

Frame

Weighing in at just 29.8 lbs, the Ninebot E22 is slightly heavier than Segway’s other popular models for adults, such as the ES2, the Air T15, and the now-discontinued ES1.

But if anything, that’s less a patch on the E22’s rideability, and more a testament to Segway just being really good at making featherweight scooters. Because, at the end of the day, the E22 is still very light.

Better still, the frame’s ‘one-push’ folding system makes getting it into the trunk a quick and easy job – and, when it comes to long, cramped car rides, the E22 is compact enough to call even the most unforgiving nooks and crannies home.

Plus, when you do hit the road you’re sure to catch the eyes of onlookers as they admire the chic charcoal grey paintwork.

Deck

There’s a lovely piece of trivia about the Segway Ninebot E22, and it’s great news for the deck.

What sets this scooter apart from a lot of fellow entry-level scooters is that, rather than the battery pack being located in the deck, it’s in the handlebar stem instead.

This means the E22’s deck is a little higher off the ground than with most similar models. The result? A smoother riding experience for you, and fewer bumps and scratches for your new toy.

Aside from that, the E22’s deck ticks all the boxes you’d expect it to. It’s grippy enough to feel safe on and wide enough for riders of all abilities – and all shoe sizes – to enjoy a comfortable cruise.

Wheels

The scooter comes ready to ride with its very own (wait for it) patented anti-skid, tubeless tires.

As I’ve already alluded to, the E22 is comfortable to ride over extremely well-maintained urban terrain – and this is in no small part down to its wheels.

To start with, they’re 9 inches in circumference – a big step up from the ES1’s 8-inch solid tires. However, the only catch is that the E22 sports the much-maligned ‘solid’ tires. It’s not all bad, though. The E22’s tires aren’t solid in a conventional sense but rather filled with a generous portion of PU (polyurethane) foam, which prevents tire leakage and makes maintenance a cinch.

Although the PU foam tires are also puncture-proof, scooters with pneumatic tires will always take the crown. For example, the Turboant X7 Pro, which is identical in price to the Ninebot E22, has 10-inch pneumatic tires that do a stellar job of cushioning against the terrain underfoot. Plus, it's much faster (20 mph) and has a larger battery (30 miles) than the E22.

Build Quality & Durability

You don’t get to be one of the biggest names in the electric scooter industry (heck, in the world) by making low-quality scooters. So it comes to nobody’s surprise that the E22 is a sturdy, resilient addition that more than earns its place in the Segway lineup.

Made from anodized, aviation-grade aluminum, the E22 will give you wings. I’ve already waxed lyrical about its lightweight, foldable frame, but did I mention that it’s splash-proof, too? Yep – with an IPX4 water-resistant rating, you don’t have to let the rain spoil your next ride.

Weight & Load

The Segway Ninebot E22 weighs 29.8 lbs, while its maximum load of 220 lbs is one we’ve come to expect for Segway’s Ninebot scooters for adults.

Of all the 80+ scooters that I have reviewed, where weight can stretch from 23 to 145 lbs, the E22 sits in the top 25%, making it one of the lightest scooters.

Folding & Portability

Another thing that the Ninebot E22’s lightweight frame and slim, economical design has going for it is that it’s super portable.

The E22’s no-frills, fully-folding functionality is a breath of fresh air for commuters and weekend riders alike. It’s simple to stow away in a train luggage compartment, easy to carry around, and able to fit in the trunk of your car. At less than 30 lbs, carrying it upstairs is easy.

Assembly

Once the excitement of unboxing this beauty is over, it’s time to get it assembled. But don’t fret – the process of putting the Segway Ninebot E22 together is no more strenuous than with any other electric scooter. All you’ll need is a bit of concentration … and a 3mm wrench (which is provided), of course.

Once you’ve got your hands on the tools, unpack the parts. Erect and lock the steering column, connect the handlebar to the frame by plugging both electric cables together, and then push the handlebars into the stem. Once you have the handlebars aligned, you simply fasten it into its place by tightening a few screws with your trusty wrench. Next up, secure the bell into place and you’re all done.

I’ve struggled more with IKEA furniture than I did with the E22. You’ll be fine.

Ride Quality

Is the Segway Ninebot E22 Comfortable to Ride?

Segway’s scooters are known for being as easy to ride as they are to look at – and the Ninebot E22 is no different.

The E22 is equipped with 9-inch dual-density rubber tires. These jumbo tires, which are filled with a special type of PU foam, help provide a basic level of shock absorption – balancing out the scooter’s lack of any traditional suspension, without the risk of flats or leakage.

Granted, it’s not perfect. But, you’ll still get some damping against harsher impacts, and – while my disdain for solid tires is well-documented – these have a larger circumference, offering a more balanced ride.

Wheels aside, the rest of the E22’s makeup is plenty comfortable, with ergonomic handlebars complementing its already lightweight frame and wide deck. But more on that later!

What I’m trying to say is that the Ninebot E22 is comfortable… though it’s well-maintained inner-city pathways that are where you’ll get the most pleasant ride, and I’d recommend skipping the rougher roads altogether.

Performance & Safety

Speed & Acceleration

If the Segway Ninebot E22 does have a ‘catch’ in the traditional sense, speed is it.

With a top speed of 12 mph, this scooter is suitable for younger riders, adult first-timers, weekend riders, and commuters looking for a dependable – yet relatively sedate – journey to work. It’s not for thrill-seekers, or those looking to zip around the city at pace.

With a range of 13.7 miles, it’s not exactly the best option for longer rides, either.

On the plus side, the E22’s three riding modes – cruise, standard, and sport – make it a hit with parents seeking a safer selection for their son or daughter. Cruise mode allows you to control your speed while conserving battery life, while ‘Sport’ provides as much of an adrenaline shot as you’re going to get with this scooter.

That said, if you feel like splashing the cash, you can buy a second battery. For $249.99, you’ll unlock a top speed of 15.5 mph – up there with Segway’s highly-lauded ES2 model – and a range of up to 27 miles.

Or, if you don’t fancy spending above and beyond what you have to, I highly recommend the Turboant X7 Pro. It is the best scooter under $600 and there’s a good reason for it – it has a top speed of 20 mph, a 30-mile range, weighs 33 lbs, and has big plush tires that effortlessly glide over urban terrain.

Range

The E22’s maximum mileage clocks in at between 13.7 miles (unmodified) and 27 miles, when you purchase that second battery – though how much distance you’ll get out of the scooter will depend on how hard you push it, so don’t go too hard on that accelerator. For example, if you weigh 176 lbs (80 kg) and ride aggressively, you can expect to only see about 8 miles.

So, is that second battery worth shelling out for? I don’t think it is.

Looking at the extra battery’s price tag ($249.99), if range is your top consideration, you’re better off with the Turboant X7 Pro. With a mileage of up to 30 miles, it’s got endurance in spades – and, at $499.98, it won’t set you back any more than the E22.

Hill Climbing

For the price point, the Segway Ninebot E22 seems to punch well above its weight when it comes to hill climbing. After all, it claims it can tackle hills of up to 15%.

Whilst this isn’t completely fugazi, the E22 is very poor at climbing hills. Anything above 8% and you’ll feel like you're crawling at a snail's pace.

If you live in a hilly area, I would avoid this scooter – you’ll end up using it as a kick scooter.

Shock Absorption / Suspension

There’s no sugarcoating it – the E22’s lack of in-built suspension means it can be a bumpy ride. You feel each crack in the sidewalk and might as well forget about rougher terrain altogether.

The E22’s foam-filled tires are specially formulated to provide the most basic of buffers between you and the road.

Braking

It takes two to tango, and you’ll have plenty to dance about with the Ninebot E22’s dual braking system. The scooter complements an E-ABS electronic brake with a second, mechanical foot brake at the rear – ensuring an extra layer of safety for the rider, and sighs of relief from protective parents everywhere.

By doubling up on the brakes, and combining that with a regenerative braking system, the E22 can manage a braking distance of as short as four meters. The rear brake will provide a smoother stop, while you can expect its electronic counterpart to be a little more… abrupt.

Given the scooter’s relatively sedate top speed, the brakes do the job.

Still, I reviewed a lot of scooters, and the E22’s brakes aren’t the most responsive or user-friendly I’ve tested. One word of warning, too – there’s no brake control without the power. Safety should always be a top priority, so – though it might sound a little silly – always make sure that the power is switched on before you take on any steep downhill slopes.

Charge Time

Like the old Segway Ninebot ES1, the E22 has a charge time of 3.5 hours.

That’s about standard for a scooter of this capacity, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that the E22 actually did reach a full charge in the time promised (sadly, many scooters tend to overpromise and under-deliver in this area).

The E22’s industrious charge time is aided by its Smart Battery Management System (SBMS). A typically savvy inclusion from Segway, this innovation – which prevents the battery from overheating, and safeguards it from short-circuiting and over-charging – is often reserved for more expensive scooters.

Extra Features

LED Panel

Showcasing your scooter’s battery life and speed at all times, the E22’s illuminated LED dashboard – conveniently located in the center of the handlebars, as you’d expect – is a welcome addition.

The classy, circular black glass panel looks more like an expensive digital watch than something you’d find on a cut-price scooter and adds that extra touch of sheen the Segway brand is so famous for.

Of course, the emphasis on style comes at the cost of a certain level of substance, and the dashboard doesn’t improve on Segway’s previous models. Nor does it provide you with a whole lot of information – although you could argue this isn’t necessary, considering you’ll get everything you need through Segway’s mobile app (more on that below).

You’ll also find a button located just below the screen. This allows you to control the LED lights, toggle riding modes, and turn the power on or off. Handy.

LED Lights

At 2.5W, the Ninebot E22’s front LED light isn’t (quite literally) the brightest bulb in the box. But, as with most of the E22’s faults, this lack of wattage comes down to the scooter being mainly targeted at beginners and younger riders. If you plan on taking this bad boy for a spin during the darker hours, I’d recommend investing in a brighter set of lights.

The headlight’s range comes to just over 44 feet, and – mercifully, for those coming the opposite way – is angled down.

Cruise Control

Fancy a relaxed ride to unwind after a long day? Whether you want to chill out, do some sightseeing, or just save a bit of battery, the E22’s cruise mode offers big benefits.

With a speed of 9.3 mph, selecting cruise mode ensures you’ll get the maximum range from the E22 – or, in terrain terms, if you’re lucky, the equivalent of just under a couple of laps of Central Park.

Mobile App

Connecting to your scooter via Bluetooth, Segway’s slick, intuitive mobile app (or, as I like to call it, the icing on the cake) is available for both Android and iOS.

The app is how you’ll activate your E22’s cruise control, and sync riding info with your smartphone. Crucially, it’s also how you’ll lock it – ensuring the E22’s alarm will go off if any movement is detected after it's activated.

Annoyingly, the blessing of E22’s relatively lightweight frame is also a curse when it comes to security. Athletic thieves will be able to just tuck it under their arm and take off. You’re already spending almost $500 on the scooter, so getting yourself a backup lock can’t hurt.

Water Resistance Rating

The Segway Ninebot E22 has a water-resistant rating of IPX4. According to the official standards, this means the scooter is protected not just against water splashes from all directions, but from low-pressure jets of directed water from any angle.

Taking into account the rigorous testing processes materials need to go through to win these ratings this scooter means business. Especially on a rainy day. Although, I wouldn’t recommend riding in the rain.

Battery Management System

The Segway Ninebot’s E22 Smart Battery Management System is more than just… well, a battery management system. It’s smart – a culmination of seven years of innovation and improvement in Segway’s labs.

So what does it bring to the table, exactly?

Well, a more accurate power display and speed reporting, for one. An extended battery life, too. Plus, I’d wager that any rider that’s ever had to wait over ten hours for their scooter to charge will definitely want to hear more about Segway’s SMBS – particularly the lightning-quick three and a half-hour charge time.

And there’s more where that came from…

Optional Extended Battery Pack

I’m talking about the battery pack, of course.

If you’ve been lured in by the siren song of the E22’s low price – but, like me, have an urge for something just a little faster – this battery pack will be right up your street.

It’ll increase the scooter’s range to around 27 miles, and your speed to a cool 15.5 mph – so it’s not to be sniffed at.

The catch is, it’ll cost you. You’ll have to shell out an extra $249.99 to get your hands on this neat addition – exactly half the price of what you paid for the scooter itself.

I find it tough to see too large of a subsection of the E22’s target market wanting to spring for such an expensive extra – particularly when it’s the scooter’s cheaper price point that’s the biggest draw.

What is the Warranty & Post-Purchase Support?

Warranty

The Segway Ninebot E22’s frame comes with a one-year warranty.

Again, this one of the telltale signs of Segway’s superior quality – many other scooters, such as the GoTrax XR Elite, only offer warranties as brief as 90 days.

There are a couple of things you need to be aware of though. The vehicle body, which includes the deck, wheels, handlebars, etc, is covered for the full 12 months. For the E22’s various parts, the warranty is a little less enduring, and you’re looking at 180 days for the battery, and 90 days for the cosmetic parts like the handlebar grips and headlight.

Warranties can vary depending on the online retailer you select, so I’d always recommend doing your research and making sure you know exactly what kind of deal you’re getting before you buy.

Post-Purchase Support

Segway built its name on the foundations of design, durability… and excellent customer support.

If you have any issues with the Ninebot E22, you can call or email Segway – just make sure you’ve selected the company’s consumer products line, rather than its business one.

Be prepared to quote your scooter’s serial number when you get in touch, too. You can find it on the underside of your ride, on the original packaging, or via your scooter’s accompanying Segway-Ninebot app.