The Segway Ninebot E2 Pro is a compact commuter scooter built for short urban trips
The Segway Ninebot E2 Pro is a foldable electric scooter designed for riders who need something portable and lightweight for trips under 3 miles. It weighs 27.8 pounds, folds down to fit in a car trunk or under a desk, and has a top speed of 15.5 mph. The battery provides a range of roughly 25 miles per charge under ideal conditions, though real-world distance depends on rider weight, terrain, and how hard you accelerate.
This scooter sits in the middle of the market — more durable than toy-grade models but less powerful than high-performance machines. It's one of the few models in its price range that comes with both front and rear brakes (drum brakes, not hydraulic), which matters for stopping power on hills or in traffic.
Key Takeaways
- The E2 Pro weighs 27.8 pounds and folds for transport, making it practical for commuters who combine scooter and car or train.
- Real-world range is typically 15 to 20 miles per charge, not the advertised 25, because battery life drops in cold weather and with heavier riders.
- Drum brakes require more hand pressure than hydraulic brakes and wear out faster, so budget for replacement pads every 6 to 12 months of regular use.
- The 8-inch solid tires don't puncture but provide a rougher ride than air-filled tires, especially on cracked pavement or gravel.
- You will need a helmet and lights in most states, and some cities restrict scooters to bike lanes or sidewalks — check local rules before buying.
Motor power and speed compared to other commuter scooters
The E2 Pro has a 300-watt motor, which is entry-level for electric scooters. That translates to moderate acceleration — it takes about 5 seconds to reach 15 mph from a stop. On flat ground it feels responsive enough for city riding, but hills slow it noticeably. A 10-degree incline will cut your speed in half, and anything steeper requires standing and shifting your weight forward.
For comparison, scooters in the $300 to $400 range typically have 250-watt motors, while models at $600 and up often have 500 watts or dual motors. The E2 Pro's 300 watts is a practical middle ground — enough to handle most urban terrain without the weight and cost of a more powerful machine.
The 15.5 mph top speed is governed by the firmware, so you cannot unlock higher speeds through settings. That speed is legal in most U.S. cities, where scooters are often capped at 15 mph on public paths.
Battery range and charging time in real conditions
Segway advertises 25 miles of range, but that figure assumes a 165-pound rider on flat ground in mild weather with steady, moderate acceleration. Real-world use is different. A 200-pound rider will see 18 to 20 miles. Cold weather (below 50°F) reduces range by 20 to 30 percent. Frequent braking and acceleration, common in city riding, also cuts distance.
Most owners report 15 to 20 miles per charge as typical. If your commute is 10 miles each way, you'll need to charge every day or carry a second battery (which Segway sells separately for around $150 to $200).
The charger takes 5 to 6 hours for a full charge from empty. There's no fast-charging option. If you charge overnight, you'll have a full battery by morning, but you can't top up quickly during a workday.
Brakes, tires, and what maintenance costs
The E2 Pro uses drum brakes on both wheels. Drum brakes are sealed, so they don't get wet or muddy, and they're reliable. The downside is they require more hand pressure than hydraulic disc brakes, and they wear out faster with heavy use. Replacement brake pads cost $20 to $40 per set, and you'll likely need them every 6 to 12 months if you ride daily in a hilly area or do a lot of braking.
The tires are 8-inch solid rubber, not pneumatic (air-filled). Solid tires never puncture, which is a real advantage if you ride through rough neighborhoods or construction zones. The trade-off is a harsher ride — you'll feel every crack and pothole. On smooth pavement they're fine; on rough streets they can be uncomfortable for long rides.
Tire replacement is straightforward but requires removing the wheel. A replacement tire costs $30 to $50, and you can do it yourself with basic tools or pay a shop $50 to $100 for labor. Most riders get 1,000 to 2,000 miles from a set of tires.
Weight, portability, and whether it folds smoothly
At 27.8 pounds, the E2 Pro is light enough to carry up stairs or onto a bus, but heavy enough that you'll feel it after a few blocks. The folding mechanism is a single latch near the steering column — you pull it, fold the handlebar down, and the deck folds up. The whole process takes about 10 seconds and requires one hand.
Folded, it measures roughly 40 inches long by 6 inches wide by 12 inches tall, so it fits under most car seats or in a closet. The folded size is practical for commuters who take the scooter on a train or bus, then ride it the last mile to their destination.
The handlebar doesn't lock in the folded position, so it can shift during transport. Many owners add a velcro strap or bungee cord to keep it stable in a car trunk.
Display, controls, and what the app does
The E2 Pro has a small LED display on the handlebar showing speed, battery percentage, and distance traveled. The display is readable in daylight but not backlit, so you can't see it clearly at night without a headlight pointed at it.
The scooter connects to Segway's mobile app via Bluetooth, which lets you check battery health, lock the motor remotely, and see ride statistics. The app is optional — the scooter works fine without it. The app's main value is the remote lock feature, which prevents someone from riding off with your scooter if you leave it unattended.
Controls are straightforward: a thumb throttle on the right handlebar and brake levers on both sides. There's no cruise control, so you have to hold the throttle the entire time you're accelerating.
Local laws and where you can legally ride
Electric scooter laws vary by state and city. Most U.S. states allow scooters on bike lanes and some allow them on sidewalks, but many cities restrict them to bike lanes only or ban them from sidewalks entirely. A few cities require registration or a license plate. Some states require a helmet; others don't.
Before you buy, check your city or county website for scooter regulations. Search "[your city] electric scooter laws" or call your local police non-emergency line. The rules change frequently, and what's legal in one neighborhood may be prohibited in another.
You'll also want to confirm whether your homeowners or renters insurance covers scooter accidents. Many policies don't, so you may need to buy a rider or separate policy if you plan to ride regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the E2 Pro good for hills?
It handles gentle slopes (under 5 degrees) well, but steep hills slow it significantly. On a 10-degree hill, expect your speed to drop from 15 mph to 7 or 8 mph. If you live in a very hilly area, a scooter with a 500-watt motor will perform better, though it will cost more.
Can I ride the E2 Pro in the rain?
The scooter is water-resistant but not waterproof. Light rain is fine, but riding through puddles or heavy downpours can damage the motor and battery. Avoid submerging it or riding through standing water. Dry it off after wet rides to prevent corrosion.
How long does the battery last before it needs replacement?
Lithium batteries typically retain 80 percent of their capacity after 300 to 500 charge cycles, which is roughly 1 to 2 years of daily use. A replacement battery costs $150 to $200. Battery life improves if you avoid letting it fully drain and store it in moderate temperatures.
What's the difference between the E2 Pro and the regular E2?
The E2 Pro has a larger battery (25 miles vs. 15 miles range) and a slightly more powerful motor. The regular E2 is lighter and cheaper but has less range. Choose the Pro if you commute more than 10 miles per day; the regular E2 works for shorter trips.
Do I need a license or registration to ride this scooter?
Most U.S. cities don't require a license or registration for electric scooters under 50 pounds, but a few do. Check your local regulations before riding. You will almost certainly need a helmet in most places, even if the law doesn't explicitly require one.