Segway Electric Bike Review: Pros And Cons

An Introduction to Segway Electric Bikes

It’s easy to feel intimidated by the e-bike landscape, but when a name as legendary as Segway ventures in, people take notice. Founded by the brand that revolutionized personal travel and created a new form of clean transportation for the modern world, the Segway Ninebot E10 comes from a lineage of technological innovation. Chances are you are reading this because the concept has piqued your interest: Is a Segway electric bike the right e-bike for you? This thorough review is intended to separate the wheat from the chaff and take an in-depth look at what Segway has to offer, what real users think of them, and what features are important to consider when trying to figure out whether or not one of these bad boys is right for you.

Segway has wisely produced a range of electric bikes, all aimed at slightly different users and use cases. Knowing that portfolio is the first step in making your perfect match. The brand's range is essentially divided into a number of series each reflecting their aim to attract custom across different segments of the e-bike market. The following is a clear introduction of their main electric bicycle products, and series:

Segway Electric Dirt eBike Series (such as the X260 and X160)

Segway X-Series (encompassing the adventure design of Xafari and the future-tech of Xyber)

Segway C-Series (such as the moped-style city commuter called the C80)

Segway U-Series (including the U110, which focuses on use as a utility)

Segway KickScooter-E-Bike Hybrids (not pure e-bikes, but they frequently pop up in searches, such as some models of the GT or P series that cross the line)

The Riding Experience: C80 vs. Xafari

To understand what a Segway electric bike is, you're going to have to get out of the realm of specifications and into the ZONE of experience. We’ll focus on their two most iconic and popular models – the city-dwelling C80, and the rugged Xafari.

Riding the Segway C80 is almost like having seamless urban mobility. It feels different the moment you sit on it, not in a No Pain, No Gain, aggressive pedaling sense, but a cruising sense, because the moped-style design demands that you let yourself relax into pedaling, to appreciate how much the bike itself is doing the work. The low-slung, wide seat is ultra-cushy, and the step-through frame makes getting on and off an absolute breeze, a big win in a stop-and-go city commute. Most impressive here, however, is the “smart” integration. The auto-lock feature that kicks in when you walk away with your phone is actually remarkably secure. Smoothness and predictability characterize the power delivery on the road. It’s not catapulting you forward so much as giving you a steady, comforting push up to speed, rapidly and quietly. It rides stably, with chunky tires and a robust frame that soak up mild bumps and potholes without a problem. This is less a bike and more an ultralight personal urban transportation device, which fits pretty well with Segway's overall tech-first vibe.

Turning on the Segway Xafari on the other hand is a completely different experience, further accentuating the versatility of the brand. The Xafari is made for fun and adventure, and it looks and feels it as well. The full-suspension is evident right away and comprises a standard front fork and a novel mono-shock in the rear. On bumpy roads, gravel routes, or mild trails, the bike is very planted and smooth. The bumps are absorbed well, so you won’t get tired as a rider and are encouraged to take it to roads less traveled. While the riding position is more sporty and hunkered down in comparison to the C80, it is still just as comfortable for the longer ride. The motor on the Xafari feels stronger, and you get a satisfying rush of torque when you have to power over hills or when you start from a stop. The bike is also interesting to look at; it’s the sort of thing that turns heads with its blocky, semi-sci-fi appearance. The built-in lights, robust frame and all-terrain wheels let you know this electric bike is more than just a trip to the grocery. It’s a contraption that invites you to turn off the main road and to see where the trail takes you, all the while cocooned in a bubble of smart, Segway-engineered technology.

The Segway Advantage: Tech, Quality, and Design

Outside the tactile feeling of each model, you as a possible buyer have to think about the bigger picture of having a Segway electric bike. This is where you determine whether the brand itself is a fit for you. The key to Segway's advantage, and a large component of what's being pitched, is intelligent technology integration. Indeed, their ecosystem runs on the Segway-Ninebot app that is one of the most refined in the business. GPS tracking for anti-theft, ride statistics, remote locking/unlocking, firmware updates etc. are not just tacked-on features, they become part of the ownership experiences. Not everybody values granular control and closer access to information, and that’s why Segway is so attractive to tech-savvy enthusiasts like you.

Besides, overall, the construction quality is good. Frames are stout, the welds are done neatly and the components seem sturdy. Nor is this a brand that skimps on construction. They use their skill in manufacturing to create something that feels high-quality and durable. You also need to think about design language. Segway bikes do not resemble a standard bicycle with a motor pasted on. They are purpose-built electric, with futuristic design touches, integrated batteries and a unified, contemporary look and feel that enables them to stand out from the crowd. This is a big plus if you're looking for a bike that looks as high-tech as it feels.

An Alternative for the Traditionalist: The ENGWE P275 SE

So while Segway delivers with futuristic engineering and cool tricks, some riders may be on the search for an electric bike that offers a more nuanced, highly responsive, and old-school riding experience paired with modern efficiency. And the ENGWE P275 SE is a really interesting alternative for this kind of city commuter as well. It’s carefully built around a high-precision torque sensor — a technology that makes this one a standout. This intelligent torque sensor starts reacting to your pressure on the pedal in only 50 milliseconds, providing that essential "real-bike" feel, and not that of a computer letting you down that instant you need it! This isn’t just about power, but the character of the power delivery.

The P275 SE is the ultimate for the distinguishing city rider with its uniquely upright, Dutch-style riding position that is comfortable and gives you great visibility. With a 250W brushless motor, it has a lot of power for city riding, and is compliant with all regulations. The 36V 13Ah high-capacity removable battery has a maximum range of 100 km on one charge. This overall refined experience is further elevated through a smart app connection, clear LCD display, and considerate features including Shimano 7-speed gears and a comfortable ergonomic saddle, making the ENGWE P275 SE a top contender for anyone who prioritizes ride quality, range, and comfort when commuting.

To put everything into perspective within Segway's very own offerings, you might find this comparison table of their major models useful. This gives you the chance to look at a bike that's designed for your life and the way you ride.

Your Segway E-Bike Questions Answered

Here are five things you’ve always wanted to know about Segway electric bikes.

How much of the claimed battery range holds up in the real world?

Range advertised is often determined under optimal conditions (i.e. flat terrain, lowest power assist level, moderate to little cargo, etc.). In the real world you can probably knock off a few miles of range from these figures. You will get less when: You frequently start and stop, go up steep hills, use heavy assist levels, and face strong headwinds. To that, Segway’s battery management systems are pretty efficient. As a general rule of thumb, you'll get about 75-85% of the maximum claimed range for mixed, daily riding, but that's still going to be plenty for most riders and should be more than enough for a daily commute, or going out for a play on the weekends.

Is a Segway electric bike easy to assemble and maintain?

Segway bikes are built for ease of use, and that philosophy extends to ease of assembly. They tend to come partially assembled and you usually will need to put on the handlebars, pedals and front wheel yourself. The instructions are easy to follow, and as long as you're accustomed to tools it is not difficult. For upkeep, they are not unlike other high-end electric bikes. Routine tire pressure, brake pad and chain lubrication monitoring is de rigueur. The main benefit of course is that Segway has a strong dealer and service network in many areas, so you’re much more likely to be able to find professional service and parts around the block, than with some relatively small, unknown brand.

Do the “smart features” really work or are they just a gimmick?

This is where Segway really shines, and the features are actually quite useful. The GPS tracking for anti-theft is real peace of mind, alerting your phone if the bike is moved without your permission. It’s a strong deterrent to be able to lock the bike remotely and disable the motor. For everyday use, the app’s ride recording, battery health and performance/mode tuning are great additional tools to get you out there riding. For the technology-minded user, these are reasons to consider a Segway instead of the competition.

What’s it like riding a Segway e-bike up 90-meter-tall hills?

Hill performance depends on the model. The urban-oriented models such as the C80 are specced for gentle city hills and they do very, very well at maintaining a consistent power assist that keeps you from any feelings of struggle. You won’t be setting any speed records going uphill, but you will be getting to the top without breaking a sweat. The more powerful, adventure-focused models, such as the Xafari and, in particular, the Xyber, are built for much steeper terrain. Their more powerful, higher-torque motors really lay down the power, so hill climbs are painless and can be fun to do, especially when you’re able to keep some momentum on particularly tough grades.

How comfortable is the overall ride for longer trips?

One of Segway’s hallmark design features is a focus on comfort. With its large and cushy moped-style seat and relaxed riding position, the C80 is a comfy ride in the city. The Xafari full-suspension system makes a world of difference when riding on rocks and other obstacles, insulating you from bumps and vibrations that would otherwise be jarring on a hardtail frame. This makes it great for longer rides that might include less-than-perfect roads or gentle trails. Although power models such as the Xyber are constructed with aggressive riding in mind, they are still equipped with quality suspension to absorb hits and reduce rider fatigue on long, grueling rides.

In the end, a Segway electric bike is a tech-heavy and fully-specced modern mobility device.