After buying the American company Segway in 2015, the Chinese manufacturer Ninebot based in Beijing is now owned by the giant Xiaomi hence the strong resemblance with the famous Xiaomi electric scooters. Like its Chinese partner, Ninebot is also releasing three new models of electric scooters this year 2021 (E22E, E25E and E45E) in order to further expand its catalog. What are the new features and differences between these new Ninebot scooters?
Comparison of the 3 new models E22E - E25E - E45E
Coming directly to replace the excellent ES2 and ES4, the new Ninebot E22E, E25E and E45E compete with the latest Xiaomi Essential, 1S and Pro 2 electric scooters. Quite similar in appearance, this new generation resulting from the Segway-Ninebot merger still offers slight differences to meet the needs of each user as closely as possible.
Ninebot E22E entry-level
Evolution of the old ES1, the Ninebot E22E is an affordable electric scooter which retains the general design of the Segway-Ninebot models. Designed for exclusively urban use, the new entry-level Ninebot is easily transportable with its 13.5 kg. We have also classified it in our top 5 lightweight electric scooters.
Topped with new 9-inch solid tires, made of reinforced rubber, it allows a top speed of 20 km/h to be reached. Thanks to its IPX4 certification, the Ninebot E22E will accompany you everywhere, even in light rain on your journey. As on most Ninebot models, the E22E electric scooter accepts a external battery easily installed to extend the range up to 45 km for people who need to travel a little further than average.
E25E and E45E, the game of seven differences
Rather very similar in appearance with the Ninebot E22E, the last two are still quite different. The Ninebot E25E and E45E are actually one and the same product. The only difference is at the level of the external battery present upon purchase on the E45E while it is only optional on the Ninebot E25E. This external battery almost doubles the autonomy of the Ninebot E25E limited to 25 km.
Apart from that, the last two born from the Segway-Ninebot merger have a 300W brushless motor offering a maximum speed of 25 km/h in accordance with the rule in force. Offered at an affordable price, these Ninebot electric scooters have received the label design award. With LED lights placed under the deck, these Ninebots are visible from afar after dark. Adjustable via the Segway-Ninebot application, you can choose the color of your choice to adapt to the atmosphere chosen for your nighttime rides.
The user benefits from the Ninebot E45E and E25E electric scooters with new reinforced 9-inch tires to reduce the risk of punctures. Very comprehensive in every way, these electric scooters receive an IPX4 certification that protects them more effectively from rain.
Some clarifications on the Segway-Ninebot brand
Founded in 1999 by American inventor Dean Kamen, the Segway company made its name by revolutionizing the world of personal transportation long before the arrival of electric scooters. By basing its machines on cutting-edge technology centered on the self-balancing of two parallel wheels, the Segway company quickly attracted worldwide attention to its products.
Today, many users are somewhat lost, no longer knowing the difference between Ninebot, Segway and even Xiaomi which has been added to the equation. Let's briefly retrace the history of these companies in order to understand where these latest electric scooters come from.
The success of Segway in the early 2000s
Segway received a rather enthusiastic reception at its launch, from millionaire investors who believed enormously in the future of motorized personal travel at the dawn of the new millennium. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and the late Steves Jobs have all invested in the American company Segway which offered a real alternative to the car with its famous self-balancing scooters. At the start of the 2000s, we were still a long way from thinking about changing our mode of urban circulation, but the idea has come a long way since then. Being able to move intuitively at the speed of 19 km/h by simply tilting his body was a feat. Practical for quickly transporting its user around the city in an ecological and effortless way, the self-balancing scooter promised a kind of future before its time.
A Segway buyout with a tragic fate
Unfortunately the great adventure did not continue as many would have thought. Undoubtedly too ahead of its time, Segway has never managed to achieve its sales objectives. The prices charged at the time by the American company were far from being able to attract the general public. We are talking about devices costing no less than 6000 to 7000 dollars. An elitist price which has mainly convinced only millionaires wishing to travel easily in an urban environment. In addition, you had to have space to store such a machine at home.
Jimi Heselden, a British businessman, bought Segway in 2009 thinking of giving it a second wind. But while he was testing a new product at his home in Yorkshire, England, he was the victim of a fatal accident by falling off a cliff with his Segway less than a year after buying Segway. A terrible twist of fate which did not help the company to recover.
The arrival of the Chinese Ninebot in 2015
It was not until 2013 that Segway was bought by an American investment fund (Summit Strategic Investments) which subsequently sold to Chinese competitor Ninebot. This had previously been attacked by Segway for use of their patent. To close this story, Ninebot simply bought the American firm in order to offer an all-powerful alliance in the world of electric personal transportation.
Furthermore, at the same time the other large Chinese company Xiaomi, known among other things for its smartphones, is entrance to the capital of Ninebot with a nice check of 80 million to facilitate the final purchase of Segway. Ninebot relies on Segway's brand image as well as its famous patents to develop its range of electric scooters since the discontinuation of gyropods is now confirmed, after only 140,000 sales in 20 years. The famous device that had captivated investors and the media even before its launch ultimately never attracted the public. The production of this single-seat electric vehicle accounted for only 1.5% of Ninebot's revenue.
FAQ :
How do I update my Ninebot electric scooter?
With the Segway-Ninebot application (on Android PlayStore and iOS AppStore) which brings together all Ninebot products, you can very easily update your Ninebot scooter.
What is the maximum speed of Ninebot electric scooters?
ES1: 20 km/h
ES2 : 25 km/h
ES4 : 30 km/h
E22E : 20 km/h
E25E : 25 km/h
E45E : 25 km/h
Max G30 : 30 km/h
Is the Ninebot electric scooter waterproof?
Although Ninebot models benefit from IPX4 and IP54 certification, we advise you to drive as little as possible in rainy weather. Since battery oxidation is not covered under warranty, there is always a risk even if Ninebots are among the most water-resistant electric scooters.
Is there a difference between the E25E and E25 scooters?
The E following the Ninebot electric scooter number designates a product designed for the European market.
What is the difference between Segway and Ninebot?
Since the takeover, the manufacturer Ninebot has kept the Segway name alongside its own brand. Segway-only products are intended for professionals, while Ninebot products are reserved for individuals.
Which model does Lime use for its self-service electric scooters?
The company Lime electric scooter rental is and will be, starting in September, one of the only three companies selected by the city of Paris to be available for Parisians. Their vehicles are based on Ninebot electric scooters. Initially equipped with Ninebot ES1, Lime now uses more Ninebot ES4 like the free-floating scooters from Jump (Uber) and Tierr.
Conclusion
Excellent way to get around, we highly recommend the latest Ninebot electric scooters which are particularly well positioned in the light scooters ranges. The Chinese manufacturer offers machines with excellent manufacturing quality while offering its scooters a level of equipment that is often higher than the competition. Not necessarily the fastest on the road, Ninebot focuses above all on the ease of transport of its devices, the manufacturing quality as well as the comfort during their use.
By offering three new models close in terms of performance to the latest Xiaomi, the silhouettes of the Segway-Ninebot scooters are likely to be seen again on every street corner in the coming months.
