Segway Ninebot Max vs Segway Ninebot F40: Is the price difference worth it?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
So many scooters, so many riders, and so many places to go. If you’ve been looking at scooters, you might be overwhelmed by the vast number of choices. That’s why we’re going to compare the Segway Ninebot Max and Segway Ninebot F40, two of the best scooters on the market right now. With either Ninebot Max or Ninebot F40, you’ll get a great scooter. However, both scooters have trade-offs, so you’ll want to do some research before deciding which Ninebot electric scooter to go with.
The good news is that both electric kick scooter models offer an excellent ride and a good value proposition. Segway Ninebot has cemented itself as one of the top scooter companies and many of its scooters are well-regarded. That’s certainly true of the Segway F40 and Segway Max.
Segway Ninebot Max vs Segway Ninebot F40: Head-to-Head Comparison
The Segway Ninebot Max and Segway Ninebot F40 are excellent mid-range scooters offering a good mix of features and value. Both scooters adopt a relatively utilitarian approach to styling, offering classy looks without being particularly loud.
The Segway Max is a bit more premium and packs in some extra features. Perhaps most importantly, the Max can go further on a charge. While the Segway F40 gets only about 25 miles to the charge, the Segway Ninebot Max can top 40 miles. Only a few electric scooters on the market right now can top the range of the Ninebot Max, and most of them are far more expensive.
Yet despite being cheaper, the Segway F40 offers a number of features and capabilities (excluding range) that match or rival the kickscooter Max. Let’s cover some of the key differences between these electric kick scooter models. Doing so will make it easier to decide which is right for you.
Also, both scooters are a part of Segway’s midrange, alongside other great scooters, like the Ninebot kickscooter maxG30 and Segway G30LP. While this review focuses on the Max and F40, the Segway G30 and Ninebot G30LP are both worth consideration too.
Segway Ninebot Max vs Segway Ninebot F40: Major Differences
As the name implies, the Segway Ninebot Max offers maximum range. Yes, some electric scooters from other brands can go longer on a single charge, but they are typically much more expensive. Speaking of expensive, the Segway Max costs a bit more than the Segway F40.
Meanwhile, the Ninebot Max features an IPX5 water-resistant rating while the F40 only offers IP54. IPX5 can protect the scooter from a steady, low-pressure stream of water. IP54, however, only protects from splashes. In other words, the F40 should survive splashes from puddles and whatnot but might not survive a rainstorm. The Ninebot Max would stand a better chance.
In-Depth Comparison: Segway Ninebot Max vs Segway Ninebot F40
Let’s take a close look at the Segway Ninebot Max vs. the Segway Ninebot F40. We’ll compare a variety of features and capabilities head-to-head, thus putting you in a position to make the best choice for your given situation.
Who should buy the Segway Ninebot Max vs Segway Ninebot F40?
Both of these scooters will serve general riders well. An electric scooter is great for getting around town and campus. And when you reach your destination, these scooters can be folded and stored quite easily. Both also offer excellent build quality and features.
If you’re on a tight budget, the F40 typically retails for less than the Max. And if you don’t need a long-range scooter, the F40 is a great choice. If you’re making deliveries or have to traverse long distances, however, the Segway Max is the better choice owing to its larger battery and increased range.
Hill Climbing Abilities
The Segway Max and Segway F40 are rated for 20 percent grade hills. The motors on both of these units are pretty similar in terms of speed, acceleration, and hill-climbing ability. These scooters can and will get you up and down modest hills.
That said, climbing hills can quickly drain your battery. This is where the Max’s larger battery comes in handy. If you live in a hilly area, the Segway Max is a safer choice and less likely to leave you stuck at the bottom of a hill with no charge. The Ninebot Max is equipped with a beefy 551Wh battery, while the F40 packs a more modest 367Wh battery.
This battery size could prove crucial in hilly areas, thus making the Segway ninebot kickscooter max the winner.
Braking Abilities
Testers have found that the Segway Max can brake from 15 miles per hour to zero in a bit over 11 feet. This is a respectable stopping distance, especially for a unit with a large battery. Large batteries add weight, which makes it harder to slow down.
The F40 is a few pounds lighter and riders may find it to be a touch easier to handle while rapidly slowing. Ultimately, both of these scooters offer good braking. Both also feature grippy 10-inch pneumatic tires, which will play a role in braking.
Ultimately, the slightly lighter weight gives the F40 a slight edge in braking. However, many riders likely won’t notice the difference.
Security/Locking
The Segway F40 features a Bluetooth security lock, which you can use to keep your scooter locked up. Similarly, the Segway Max also features digital locking capabilities through the Segway app.
Of course, scooters are relatively light, and as such, determined thieves could pick up the scooter and make off with it. For this reason, it’s wise to use bike locks, chains, and other solutions as appropriate.
Since both segway ninebot kickscooter models have a digital lock, this category is a tie.
Construction Quality
Segway generally puts together a well-constructed electric scooter, and the ninebot kickscooter Max and the F40 drive this home. These are two well-constructed, premium scooters. The wide deck and sturdy handlebars offer a comfortable ride and easy handling. The Ninebot kickscooter Max is a bit heavier, but that tends to happen when you use large batteries.
The Segway Max does edge out the F40 with a higher water and dust resistance rating. The higher rating suggests that the engineers spent more time ensuring that this unit is sealed tight and that everything fits together about as perfectly as possible
Still, while the Segway Max takes this round, the Ninebot F40 is certainly a well-constructed scooter.
Acceleration & Maximum Speed
This is another round where the Segway Max and F40 end up in a photo finish. The motors on these scooters are very similar with each rated for 350 W nominal power. Both also top out at 18.6 miles per hour because they share the same powerful drivetrain. All in all, these numbers are respectable for midrange scooters.
While each electric vehicle features the same max speed, the Segway F40 may be able to hit that top speed a bit more quickly as it’s a lighter scooter. Still, the difference isn’t much, and even if you have a need for speed, the Max’s performance shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
In short, both the Segway Max and the F40 put in solid but not amazing top speed and acceleration numbers. Owing to its lighter weight, however, the F40 may accelerate a bit faster, making it the winner.
Convenience and Portability
The Segway Max and F40 are two solid, well-constructed scooters. High construction standards, however, often lead to heavier weights. That’s certainly the case for both of these Segway scooters, and weight ends up impacting portability. The Max weighs 41.2 lbs while the F40 weights 38 lbs. This might not seem like much of a difference, but you may notice it day-to-day.
The Ninebot max electric scooter also features a larger overall footprint. This is primarily due to the larger battery. Both scooters feature quick folding systems, meaning you can fold and unfold on the fly giving it easy portability if you don’t mind hauling a bit more weight.
When it comes to convenience, both scooters are packed with features that ensure a comfortable riding experience. Rear wheel shock absorbers, cruise control, the option to change the riding mode, and an intuitive led dashboard are just some wonderful features.
Owing to its lighter weight, the F40 edges out the Max, but just barely.
Range Testing
So far, these two Segway scooters have competed neck and neck with each other. However, when it comes to distance, there’s a clear winner with a substantial advantage. The Segway Ninebot Max lives up to its name, offering an excellent range because of its overall battery capacity, especially for a mid-range scooter.
The Segway F40 features a respectable range for the class. The F40 has a typical range of 25 miles. The Segway Max, however, can hit 40.4 miles on a charge. Of course, these numbers represent ideal conditions, and in practice, you might not get that long of a range. This is especially true if you’re pushing your Segway scooter to the limits, or traversing hilly landscapes. Each scooter features fast charging and, like most all electric scooters, generally has an overall battery life of about 3 to 4 years before you need to replace the battery pack.
Either way, the Segway Max takes the cake.
Pricing and Value for Your Money
Both of these scooters offer great value for the money. The Segway F40 typically sells for a bit less than the Ninebot Max. That said, with the Ninebot, you get a larger battery and thus a longer range. Which scooter offers the best value? In truth, that comes down to your needs. If you need to travel long distances or up and down hills, the Max may provide a better deal.
Still, for the average consumer, the Segway F40 offers the best overall value. It’s cheaper while packing many of the same features and a motor on par with the Segway Max.
Bluetooth App
Both of these scooters use the same Bluetooth apps, although users on Android and the iOS App Store note that the performance and usefulness of the app isn’t necessarily all that good. Still, Segway may continue to upgrade and improve the app. Either way, since both use the Segway-Ninebot app, this one is a tie.
OTHER SCOOTERS TO CONSIDER
SPECIFICATION, COMPARISONS, and REVIEW
| MODELS | TOP SPEED | RANGE | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segway Ninebot ES1L | 12.4 mph | 12.4 mi | 24.9 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot ES1 | 15.5 mph | 15.5 mi | 24.9 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot ES2 | 15.5 mph | 15.5 | 27 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot E22 | 12.4 mph | 13.7 mi | 29.8 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot ES4 | 18.6 mph | 28 mi | 30 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot E45 | 18.6 mph | 28 mi | 36.2 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot F25 | 15.5 mph | 12.4 mi | 32 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot F40 | 18.6 mph | 24.9 mi | 35 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot F30 | 15.5 mph | 18.6 mi | 33 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot Max G30P | 18.6 mph | 40.4 mi | 41.2 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot Zing E10 | 10 mph | 6.3 mi | 18.7 lbs |
| Segway Ninebot E8 | 8.7 mph | 6.2 mi | 17.6 lbs |
Final Words
In a photo finish, the Segway Max comes out on top. This is mostly due to its increased range, which will help not only with distance, but also with rough terrain and hills. Further, the Max has a slightly better water-resistance rating, reducing the risk of puddles and storms damaging your scooter.
That said, if you’re on a budget and don’t require long-range, the Segway F40 offers great value and build quality for the price. Either Ninebot scooter offers a great ride and plenty of features. At the end of the day, the best choice is the choice that works best for your specific needs and budget, and both of these scooters are worthy of consideration.
Electric Scooter Protective Gear
Have you decided which scooter you plan to buy? No matter the choice, you’ll want to make sure that you ride safely, and that means making sure that you’re wearing the right protective gear, such as scooter knee pads. While neither the Max nor F40 travel at exceptionally high speeds, if you suffer an accident you and others could end up seriously hurt.
All scooter riders should wear:
- A scooter helmet designed to absorb impacts.
- The best knee pads that fit tightly and are comfortable to wear.
- High-impact elbow pads that can absorb damage.
When choosing electric scooter protective gear, such as helmets and knee pads, remember that quality is vital. Low-quality gear may simply not provide enough protection to keep you safe. You should wear every piece of protective equipment, but the helmet is especially important. Unfortunately, a bad wipeout and strike to your head could cause immense harm.
Fortunately, by wearing the best electric scooter safety gear, you can greatly reduce risks. Of course, gear isn’t the only way to increase safety. General awareness and taking it slow on congested roads or walkways may also prevent accidents. Remember, whenever you’re driving a motorized vehicle, you owe it to yourself and those around you to use best safety practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers!
Which Segway provides the best performance?
The Max also has a significantly longer range, which makes the Max a better performing scooter in our minds.
