Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus Hoverboard Review 2023: Best Self Balancing Scooter?

Our Rating
4.75/5
Our Rating
4.75/5
Build Quality
4.5
Top Speed
5
Range
5
Features
5
Braking and Safety
4
Value for Money
5

Top Speed:

12.5 MPH

Range:

22 miles

Weight:

35.9 LBS

Price:

$$$

Pros

  • Crazy Fast
  • Impressive range
  • Easy to handle
  • Follow feature
  • Comes with physical remote with a joystick
  • Quality build
  • Safe to use
  • Large 11-inch wheels
  • Ambient lights
  • Has a storage compartment
  • Smart self-balancing technology

Cons

  • Expensive
  • A little bit heavy

What is a self-balancing smart scooter? 

These incredible devices started as self-balancing hoverboards, which are built with two wheels, a motor, and gyroscope technology that allow the rider to easily balance and maneuver the board to the direction they want to go.

In this product review, we are going to look into the outstanding features of the Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus hoverboard. This hoverboard is, by far, one of the most advanced self-balancing scooters that we ever came across. 

It boasts features, such as an advanced self-balancing mode, that allows the board to stand upright with or without a rider. However, the feature that will really catch your attention is the follow mode and the physical remote, which we will talk more about later in the review. 

Performance-wise, this hoverboard exceeds all expectations. It may be a little pricey, but its overall performance and high-tech features that seem to be taken straight out of a sci-fi movie make up for it.

Is the Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus the best self-balancing scooter? You will soon find out as we dig deeper into what this fantastic hoverboard has to offer in this Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus hoverboard review.

Speed and Power output

Let’s start by talking about the Mini-S Plus’ speed and power input. This hoverboard is one of the fastest hoverboards. It can reach a maximum speed of 12.5 miles per hour, all thanks to its 1500 watts of power produced by its dual motors. 

For a fast hoverboard like the Ninebot Mini-S Plus, the ride quality is stable and predictable. Thanks to its locking auto balance and its smart algorithm, the Ninebot S Plus will remember and store your riding habits in its memory, continually improving the ride quality as you ride more. 

The dual motors also provide the Mini-S Plus with enough power to easily climb steep hills up to a 15% grade. Some hoverboard models make false claims that it can climb hills, but the Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus hoverboard definitely walks the talk. It can even do so without reducing too much speed, especially if the rider provides the board with enough torque.

If you are thinking that running 12.5 miles an hour is too fast for beginners, the Mini-S Plus offers a training mode that will reduce its max speed. 

This hoverboard is so smart, that it will automatically disable the training mode after reaching a certain distance. You can, however, switch back to training mode if you feel that you are not ready yet. 

Range and Battery Performance

Now that you know what this board is capable of in terms of power and speed, get ready to be impressed with its maximum distance. 

On a single charge, the Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus can reach a maximum distance of 22 miles. Pretty impressive right? 22 miles is very impressive for a hoverboard, making it a suitable alternative for commuting to work or school.

With this amount of range on a single charge, you can really use this hoverboard for doing errands and as an alternative way of transport. Segway really did an excellent job with the performance and features of this hoverboard. 

You can completely skip riding a car through traffic or avoid riding on public transport and use your extra time to get more productive or spend time with your loved ones instead. Charging only takes 4 hours, which is pretty quick considering the amount of range you can get on this thing.

This hoverboard is also equipped with a battery management system or BMS, (1) which protects the battery from operating beyond its capabilities ensuring it has a safe voltage, temperature, and optimum battery health. 

Design & Construction Quality

If you are impressed by the power and range capabilities of this device, you’ll be more impressed with its design and features. The Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus is not your average hoverboard. It is equipped with features that are out of this world, and on top of that, it is well built and sports a modern design unlike anything else you have ever seen. 

The S Plus is made with aviation-grade magnesium alloy, which is a lighter and more durable material than aluminum. Its base is durable enough to handle riders that weigh over 220 lbs.

The overall design looks like something you would see from a science fiction movie. This board does not only look good, but it is designed to be more functional and easy to ride than other hoverboard models. 

The board may be a little heavy as it weighs around 36 lbs, but its knee control bar also works as a handle for easier handling. The knee control bar also helps to turn and balance on the board a lot easier than most of the conventional hoverboards that came out. 

If you are used to riding a standard hoverboard design, don’t worry, because learning how to ride the Mini-S Plus would be a breeze. It may look intimidating at first, but once you get a chance to ride it, you will realize and notice a significant difference in the ease of handling. 

‏Board:

The board is comfortable to ride and ergonomically designed for longer travels. Because of its non-slip rubber pads, your feet will be secured in place, even when running at max speed. 

Segway made sure that the rider will experience maximum comfort, so the rider can endure longer journeys considering it can run for over 20 miles on a single charge.

Assembly:

The Segway Ninebot S Plus hoverboard will arrive pre-assembled and ready to use right out the box. Once you get the package, make sure you download the free smartphone app and pair it with the device to unlock all of its features. 

Most electric devices will need to be initially charged, so make sure you check the manual and look for the recommended charging time the first time around. Always make it a habit to read the manual, as it would answer most of your questions about the product. 

Additional Features:

This hoverboard is quite a bit pricey compared to other Segway Ninebot models. If you look at the features this board is packing, you will understand why it has that price tag.

The Segway Ninebot smartphone app is featured in most models. This app works for both Android and iOS phones, and it is a useful app that you can use to change riding modes and configure the LED settings. It also displays useful information about the board, such as speed, battery life, and many more.

The app is not the only ground-breaking feature on the Mini-S Plus. This board comes with a remote control that you can use to control the board whether you are mounted or not. That’s not even the most impressive part.

With the remote control, you can turn on the Follow mode. This will activate the board and it will follow you wherever you go. Without controlling the joystick, the board will follow you around with a press of a button. 

The Follow Feature is the closest thing you can get to owning a droid like R2-D2 from Star Wars. 

Tires & Braking System

The Mini-S Plus is equipped with large 11-inch air-filled pneumatic tires that are designed to provide maximum comfort. These tires are larger than most hoverboard tires, meaning it can roll smoother and faster than most models.

These wheels, however, are not designed for riding on rough roads. They may be capable, but we do not recommend you riding on dirt roads too often as it may cause unnecessary wear.

Although, these wheels roll perfectly on smooth surfaces like sidewalks, asphalt, grass, and gravel. You can hardly feel any small obstacles because of its significant size.

Safety

This board does not only excel in speed, performance, and features. The Ninebot Mini-S Plus is also a leader in safety. 

Aside from its smooth acceleration and braking, its battery management system also ensures that the battery will not overheat or cause any fire-related harm. It may be safe to leave plugged-in all night, but it is still best to not overcharge the battery to be extra safe. Also, make sure you are using the charger that came with the unit, and do not use a different charger if you happen to lose the default one.

For additional safety, the board is equipped with an extensive lighting system that includes a front light, tail light, turning lights, braking lights, and hub lights that look absolutely stunning. These ambient lights not only add to the futuristic aesthetic, but it also contributes to safety, especially when riding at night. 

Because this hoverboard can go fast, it is recommended that you wear a helmet when riding, especially if you are a beginner to avoid serious injuries. 

Brand & Customer Service

Segway is one of the world’s leading innovators and manufacturers of top-rated electric rides. The Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus self-balancing scooter is one of many of their products, but it might just be the best 

Purchasing hoverboards from Segway comes with a 1-year warranty (2) that covers any manufacturing damages except for wheel and battery replacement. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the warranty or products, you can contact Segway’s kind and responsive customer service team via email by visiting their website. You can also reach them through their toll-free hotline at 1-866-4SEGWAY.

Downsides

  • The board is a little bit on the heavy side
  • Not suitable for young kids
  • Expensive

Who Should Buy the Segway Ninebot Mini S-Plus Self Balancing Scooter?

The Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus self-balancing scooter is for people who value performance, design, and features. This board is for anyone willing to spend a lot, as long as you are satisfied with what the board has to offer, and honestly, this board has so much to offer.

If you are looking for an alternative way of commuting to school or work, this board is more than capable. If you are looking for a high-end hoverboard for doing errands or just cruising around town, this board is definitely worth checking out. 

Final Verdict

The Segway Ninebot Mini-S Plus is easily a candidate for the best overall hoverboard. It is one of the fastest, most powerful, and jam-packed hoverboards that we ever had the pleasure of reviewing. There are so much more good things to say about this board than bad, which is why we gave it a whopping 4.75 out of 5 on our score charts. 

Segway Ninebot Mini S-Plus Hoverboard Video Review

Our Rating
4.75/5
Segway Ninebot Mini S-Plus Specifications
Top Speed 12.5 MPH
Motor 1500 watts
Range 22 miles
Battery 58.8 Volts
Charge Time 4 hours
Max Load 220 LBS
Weight 35.9 LBS
Wheel Size 11 inches
Tires Air-filled pneumatic tires
Brake System Electronic Braking
Warranty 1-year warranty
Price $$$

FAQs

References

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_management_system
  2. https://store.segway.com/pub/media/wysiwyg/warranty/segway-s-plus-warranty.pdf

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Our Rating
4.75