Segway Ninebot Mini S Hoverboard Review 2023: Best Self Balancing Scooter?
Pros
Cons
Self-balancing scooters, AKA hoverboards, is one of the hottest trends in the past decade. It is the newest way of human transport, and you can use it to get from one point to another with style.
I find these electric rides very interesting. I got obsessed with them from the moment I set foot on a hoverboard, which is what pushed me to write these reviews.
Hoverboards may be introduced as kids’ toys, but the purpose of hoverboards evolved ever since. Some hoverboards are used for cruising or off-road adventure riding and some are even used as a source of transportation. Because there are so many makes and models, it can be challenging to find the right one for you.
The Segway Mini-S hoverboard is a unique hoverboard that is capable of many purposes. Whether you just need a ride around the block or a ride to get you to and from work, this hoverboard is up for the task.
Is the Segway Mini-S your next hoverboard?
Let’s find out as we look deeper into its specs and features on this Segway Ninebot Mini-S review.
Speed and Power output
The Segway Ninebot Mini-S self-balancing scooter is all about power. It is equipped with two 800-watt motors that produce an instant 1600-watt power output on the spot. With all that power, this board can reach a max speed of 10 miles per hour.
Its speed might not be impressive compared to electric skateboards and e-scooters, but keep in mind that the two-wheel design of a hoverboard makes the ride feel more exciting. The hovering feeling makes the ride feel faster than it actually is.
This powerful hoverboard is suitable for tackling steep hills up to a 15% grade. Some hoverboards do not have enough power to climb hills, but the Mini-S can consistently produce enough power to climb up until the last drop of battery life.
If you ever experienced riding a low-end hoverboard in the past, you will immediately notice the difference in terms of power. Overall, the best thing about the motor is how quiet it sounds, knowing it packs massive power.
Range and Battery Performance
With enough power to go fast, a hoverboard should also pack some range. Don’t worry, as the Segway Ninebot Mini-S hoverboard does not disappoint when it comes to range.
This hoverboard is equipped with a high-performance lithium-ion battery pack that allows you to reach a max distance of 13.7 miles on a single charge. Factors that affect the range is the weight of the rider, riding habits, and type of terrain.
Hoverboards without a BMS will immediately stop when it runs out of juice, which can be dangerous for the rider. Stopping in the middle of a ride will stop the momentum and throw the rider off the board, causing minor or even serious injuries.
Design & Construction Quality
The Mini-S truly shines in terms of its design and construction quality. This board is made with durable and lightweight aviation-grade magnesium alloy. With its sturdy base, the Ninebot Mini-S can carry a maximum load of 220 lbs.
In terms of physical design, the Mini-S looks very sleek and elegant. You can purchase this board in a variety of absolutely stunning colorways like black, black with red, and white.
One of the best features of the design is the addition of the knee control bar. The control bar makes riding more comfortable and turning more precise. It is a unique feature that is exclusive to Segway Ninebot hoverboards.
The knee control bar truly makes a difference with the ride quality and ease of operation. If you are used to riding a conventional hoverboard, you might find it awkward at first, but it is easy to get used to after a few tries.
Board:
The board design and ride quality of the Ninebot Mini-S is exceptional. The deck is wide enough to accommodate the rider’s feet. The kneebar does not feel so awkward, even if you are used to riding a standard hoverboard.
At first glance, you would think that the Mini-S would be heavy and bulky, but in reality, it is lighter than most hoverboard options considering its size. The knee control bar can be quickly removed if you need to store the board in the trunk of your car or overhead compartments. Plus, the control bar also works as a handle when carrying the board around.
The deck is also equipped with rubber non-slip pads that are both safe and ergonomic. Its soft pad-like surface reduces fatigue, especially on longer rides. Because this hoverboard can run over 10 miles, standing on a comfortable surface is crucial.
The board is also equipped with an LED battery life indicator so that you don’t have to check the phone app to determine the remaining battery life. This small, but useful feature makes the board stand out against its competition.
Assembly:
If you ordered the board online, it will arrive at your doorstep pre-assembled, so you do not have to worry about spending hours on assembly. All you need to do is attach the knee control bar in a matter of seconds, and you’re good to go.
The battery will come pre-charged for testing and pairing the Bluetooth app, but make sure that you follow the instructions for the initial charge and practice good charging habits to extend the battery’s lifespan.
Additional Features:
The Segway Ninebot Mini-S hoverboard comes with a variety of different features, such as different riding modes, tutorials, and a self-balancing mode. One of the best features, however, is the Bluetooth smartphone app that works with both Android and iOS operating systems.
The Bluetooth App is useful for customizing the LED light settings, adjusting sensitivity, configuring the speed controls, and many more.
This app also displays useful diagnostics such as speed, battery life, and you can use the app to recalibrate your hoverboard and update it to the latest firmware from time to time.
The ambient light system not only looks very pleasing, but it also provides safety when riding in low light conditions. The LED lights are fully customizable, as you can change the colors using the mobile app.
It comes with a bright driving lamp that would work as your headlights, a tail light so vehicles and other riders can see you at night, turning lights, and braking lights. The braking lights are a good touch to make you feel like you are riding a car, and indicate people behind you that you are about to come to a stop.
Tires & Braking System
Because of the lightweight construction and material used to build the Ninebot Mini-S frame, they decided to equip the board with massive 10.5-inch air-filled pneumatic tires. Even with large tires, this hoverboard remains to be lightweight compared to most hoverboards with smaller wheels.
The tires are designed to adapt to almost any type of terrains, such as grass, inclines, and gravel. With the help of its ultra-high power motor, you can get to your destination smoothly without breaking a sweat.
In terms of braking, the Segway Ninebot Mini-S hoverboard can come to a full stop by gradually slowing down until it is safe to get off. Some low-end models have aggressive braking, which can be unsafe, especially for beginners.
Safety
When looking for your next hoverboard, safety is one of the most crucial factors you will need to consider (1). You probably heard of fire-related incidents in the past, so choosing a hoverboard that meets the safety standard should be a top priority.
Fortunately, the newer models and manufacturers work hard to meet the safety standards, and there has not been a lot of fire-related incidents since 2018.
The Ninebot Mini-S is a UL 2272 certified hoverboard, which means it went through a series of tests to certify that the battery, charger, together with all electrical components are safe to use.
Other safety features include smooth braking and acceleration, bright LED lights, and different speed modes that would be useful for beginners trying to learn how to ride this hoverboard. Make sure you wear a helmet when riding to avoid any serious injuries, especially when running at top speed.
Brand & Customer Service
Segway is a company that thrives in making the best products for human transport. They are known for making top-notch electric rides, such as scooters, which are being utilized by scooter rental companies like Bird and Lime.
One of Segway Ninebot’s newest line of products is their self-balancing scooters, which closely resemble one of their best creations; the Segway Personal Transporter. This product was so popular, people refer it to a Segway, which is the brand.
Most of their products, including the Segway Ninebot Mini-S self-balancing scooter come with a 1-year warranty (2) that covers manufacturing defects except for normal wear and tear. (i.e. wheels, battery, etc.)
If you have any questions about their products, warranty, or any other concerns, you can contact their friendly and responsive customer service team via live chat on their website. (3) You can also call their technical support hotline at 1-(866)-4SEGWAY.
Downsides
- This product is not suitable for young kids
- The product may be too bulky
Who Should Buy the Segway Ninebot Mini S Self Balancing Scooter?
The manufacturers recommend this product for people ages 16 and up. However, if you are taller than 4 feet, you will be able to operate this self-balancing scooter with ease.
The Segway Ninebot Mini-S hoverboard is an excellent scooter that most people would enjoy, and it is suitable for cruising and making short-distance commutes. If you are looking for a well-rounded hoverboard with a reasonable price tag, the Ninebot Mini-S might be the one for you.
Final Verdict
Because the Ninebot Mini-S hoverboard is way better than we imagined, we gave it a 4.3 out 5 on our score charts. It does have some drawbacks, but it does not really affect the quality and value you can get with this fantastic hoverboard.
Segway Ninebot Mini S Hoverboard Video Review
| Segway Ninebot Mini S Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 10 MPH |
| Motor | 1600 watts |
| Range | 13.7 miles |
| Battery | 54.8 Volts |
| Charge Time | 3-4 hours |
| Max Load | 220 LBS |
| Weight | 28 LBS |
| Wheel Size | 10.5 inches |
| Brake System | Electronic braking system |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty |
| Price | $$ |
FAQs
References
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