TABLE OF CONTENTS
Most people who are interested in buying an electric scooter will most likely end up buying an electric scooter that is designed for the “mass market.” Don’t think this is a dirty word or phrase. I fit into this grouping too. We want to get as much bang for our buck while getting the features we want with the kind of styling we like — that’s the “mass market.” In my mind, there are three leaders in the electric scooter mass market which include Segway Ninebot, GoTrax, and Razor electric scooters.
Selecting an Electric Scooter is Just Like Finding the Right Car
Just like cars, there is a scooter for everyone. Or, in this case, it’s likely there is more than one scooter that might appeal to your specific need.
For instance, if you were buying a car and needed a practical, reliable 4-door sedan because you have a spouse and a small family, there are dozens of cars out there that fit the bill.
If you decided that you didn’t want to buy your sedan from an American manufacturer, your list gets whittled down.
When you start looking at reliability, the list gets shortened a bit more. Throw in styling and price-point and now you’re left with only a small handful of 4-door sedans to consider.
The point is, the ultimate selection you make will be based on a number of factors and everyone is different.
However, if you were buying a car and you live in the U.S., it’s highly likely that you would buy your 4-door sedan from one of the major manufacturers.
Why?
Because the major manufacturers have been in the business for decades, they’ve done tons of research, have had lots of trial and error, and have honed into EXACTLY what the market wants and what the market will buy, and at what price point.
In this article, we try to equate each electric scooter brand to that of car brands in the US to provide you with an understanding of where each fits in the marketplace.
What are the major differences between Segway Ninebot vs. GoTrax vs. Razor electric scooters?
Electric scooter manufacturers aren’t very different from automobile manufacturers. There’s a model that’s right for you depending on your use case, budget, YOUR durability standards, and what “style” you like best.
The electric scooter manufacturers that have a wide range of models that appeal to the largest swath of the market are Segway Ninebot, GoTrax, and Razor.
But……what’s the difference between a Segway, GoTrax, and Razor electric scooter.
Answer: Not a lot…
One brand is going to give you great styling and durability but is expensive.
Another brand has (what can be considered as) cheap electric scooter models and the third brand seems to be in the middle, both in terms of styling, price, and durability.
These are, of course, my own personal feelings.
I’ll attempt to go over what I believe to be the differences between Segway Ninebot, GoTrax, and Razor scooters to help you identify which of these particular brands might be most suitable for you.
You’ll also note that I’ve outlined the “best” scooter for different use cases for each of the brands below.
What I am finding is that as time goes on, the product lines and differences between each of these scooter manufacturers seem to narrow.
The styling is getting better, the durability is getting better and each electric scooter company is developing more and more models that appeal to each price segment of the market.
SCOOTERS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Specifications, Comparisons, and Reviews
| MODELS | TOP SPEED | RANGE | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoTrax GXL V2 | 15.5 mph | 9-12 mi | 26.4 lbs |
| Hiboy S2 Pro | 12 mph | 25-30 mi | 36.3 lbs |
| The Kugoo M2 Pro | 15.5 mph | 18.6 mi | 34 lbs |
| Gotrax XR Elite | 15.5 mph | 18 mi | 31.88 lbs |
Segway Ninebot
I think of Segway Ninebot as the Mercedes Benz of the electric scooter world.
They’ve been around for a long time. Their first model, the Segway PT started delivering to customers in 2001. They were are at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution and have evolved into what I believe is the leader in the electric scooter space.
Segway Ninebot electric scooters boast sleek, sexy styling, are durable, and have a tremendous amount of features.
They’ve also got the most robust lineup of models that not only hit every segment of the market but different price points within that market.
Best Electric Scooter for Kids from Segway Ninebot
Segway Zing E8
We love the Zing E8. This model has the sleek styling that Segway Ninebot is known for in a version that’s just right for smaller kids. What we love about the Zing lineup is that you can buy a Segway Zing for every age child. If your kid is young, the Zing E8 is great. Have a tween? Check out the Zing E10. Looking for a solid electric scooter for your teen, Zing has an E12. The Zing E8 is great for kids because it’s not too fast with a top-end speed of about 7 mph but it’s got this cool LED light that runs down the side of it so you (and others) can spot your kids at night.
We did a full review of the Zing E10 here.
Honorable Mention
The Segway Ninebot ES1L
If you’re looking for something for your tween that is a little more hip and less “childish” then check out the Segway Ninebot ES1L. This scooter is light, has a higher max speed of 12.4 mph (faster than the Zing E8), and is a good Segway (see what I did there? Ha!) between a kids scooter and one for adults, the ES1L is a great option. The only downfall to this is that the price is significantly higher than that of a Zing E10.
Best Electric Scooter for Teens from Segway Ninebot
Segway Zing E10
We like the Zing E10 for teens because it offers good speed (12.4 mph) and the price point is just right. It’s still got carefree kids feeling to it with the cool LED lights but doesn’t carry a hefty price tag like our honorable mention.
Honorable mention
The Segway Ninebot ES2
The ES2 is a very well-rounded electric scooter platform that is perfect for teens. They will think it is “cooler” than the Zing lineup which has a tendency to look more appropriate for younger kids. The ES2 is, for all intents and purposes, an adult electric scooter at an entry-level price point. If you’ve got a bit of a bigger budget, go with the ES2.
Fastest Electric Scooter from Segway Ninebot
Segway Ninebot Max
The Ninebot Max is a force to be reckoned with for sure. This thing is a beast. It’s got bells and whistles out of the wazoo but also has a price tag that makes it the most expensive Segway Ninebot electric scooter. If money is no object and you’re looking for speed, then look no further. If you want to save a few bucks, go with the GoTrax Gmax Ultra.
Our comparison article of the Segway Max vs. Gmax Ultra will help you make your decision.
Best Segway Ninebot Adult Electric Scooter from Segway
The Segway Ninebot E45
Why did we choose this over the Segway ES4? Well, it’s got the newer tech. Essentially, the E45 is the new generation of the Segway ES4. If you have the money, it’s worth it to get an electric scooter with the latest technology. We think that the E45 offers the best features of the ES platform while incorporating some of the power and oomph from the Segway Max series (the Max and Max G30LP). It’s a well-balanced scooter that will do pretty much anything.
Honorable mention
The Segway Ninebot ES4
You can’t go wrong with the ES4. If you are an adult and checking all of the boxes for a scooter that meets almost every rider requirement, the ES4 is hard to beat. It’s got solid range (28 miles) and a max speed of almost 20 mph and boasts many of the features on the E45 but, because it’s an older model, you will be able to save some scratch.
Best Cheap Electric Scooter from Segway Ninebot
Segway Ninebot Kickscooter E22
This is the cheapest electric scooter for adults in the Segway Ninebot lineup. Not only do we like the price tag but, it’s also pretty awesome that you can make this into an electric scooter with a seat. Not too many manufacturers’ models allow you to put a seat on your scooter.
Segway Ninebot Electric Scooters Dominated the Market for a LONG time
For years, the Segway ES1 and Segway ES2 dominated the market. When consumers voiced their need for a longer range the ES3 (which is a Segway ES1 with an external battery pack strapped to it) and an ES4 (which is an ES2 with the additional external battery) was developed.
The Segway ES1, ES2, ES3, and ES4 were, what seemed to be, the market leaders for many years…
Segway sold millions of dollars worth of these electric scooters. They were sleek, lightweight, and satisfied the needs of the vast majority of the market. Plus, they “owned” the market.
As a result of their market dominance, they were able to (and still do) command the price associated with being the market-dominant leader who’s got a killer design but practical functionality.
But then, competitors like GoTrax and Razor came about and have been becoming forces to be reckoned with in the world of electric scooters.
A Word About Segway Ninebot Generation 2 Scooters: ES1L, ES22, ES45 and others
The old faithful models like the Segway ES1, the Segway ES2, and their external battery pack brethren, the Segway ES3 and Segway ES4 began to face stiff competition.
So, like any good leader in the space, Segway Ninebot continued to innovate. Since they began developing the first generation of the ES1, ES2, ES3 and ES4, there has been a tremendous amount of progress in electric scooter battery technology.
Battery capacity, longevity, and faster charge times have allowed Segway to develop, generation 2 of the Segway scooter lineup so they can not only compete with the likes of the GoTrax scooter company and Razor electric scooters but the numerous other competitors that are popping up in the marketplace.
Who should choose a Segway Ninebot?
If you are looking for a high-quality electric scooter that will serve the needs of most people, then Segway is the brand for you.
I would say the Segway ninebot lineup is at the top of the food chain in terms of quality and styling when it comes to “mass market” electric scooters.
However, if you are looking for the fastest electric scooter or a more professional-grade electric scooter, you should probably look at other brands. We like Apollo scooters among other brands for the professional-grade electric scooters.
GoTrax Scooter Models vs. Segway Ninebot Scooters vs. Razor Scooters
When thinking about the GoTrax scooter company and their lineup of electric scooter models, I equate them to a Honda or a Toyota. Much like these car brands, GoTrax offers a lot of bang for your buck. They offer reliability at an affordable price.
GoTrax scooters aren’t going to be as sleek in the design department as Segway but they aren’t as expensive either.
Over the last few years, GoTrax has begun to expand its lineup of electric scooter models to compete with the behemoth of the industry, Segway Ninebot.
While I don’t have the inside skinny on their overall product strategy, when studying their lineup against Segway, it is clear that they are developing models that compete head-to-head with each Segway model.
GoTrax has a model that is in direct competition for every Segway. If you look at GoTrax, their scooters (in general) are not as sleek as the Segway model it competes against.
However, it offers a very similar range, maximum speed, braking capability, and overall features but at a lower price.
GoTrax has some of the best scooters for kids and the best electric scooters for adults on the market.
We have tested nearly every GoTrax scooter model alongside the Segway Ninebot models and have detailed reviews of almost all of them.
Here are some of our favorite picks of the GoTrax scooter lineup.
Best Electric Scooter for Kids from GoTrax
GoTrax GKS Pro Electric Scooter for Kids
The GKS Pro is our top pick for the best electric scooter for kids from GoTrax. It allows your child to ride at 9 mph for 5 miles. This is a great first electric scooter. It allows them to get into scooting without spending a ton of money. At the same time, it’s not slow either. There are other GoTrax models that offer slower speeds, but we think an entry-level scooter that has a maximum speed of under 10 mph is great for first-timers.
Honorable mention
GoTrax GKS Lumios
We like the GKS Lumios because of the fun lighting on the scooter. It only has a top speed of 7.5 mph but, if you’re looking for a scooter that allows your child to be visible at dusk or after dark, this is the scooter. Plus, I doubt kids really notice another 1.5 mph in speed that you get with the GKS Pro.
Best Electric Scooter for Teens from GoTrax
GoTrax Vibe
We like the vibe because it’s a simple platform that doesn’t have the tech stack and other bells and whistles that can break. Plus, this scooter comes in a variety of colors. If you’re looking for a pink electric scooter for girls, they’ve got it. Blue electric scooter for boys, GoTrax has that too. Overall, the performance is good and shines where it counts. It’s got a maximum speed of 15.5 mph and will travel 7 miles on a single charge. This whip is perfect for zipping around the neighborhood.
Take a look at our in-depth review of the GoTrax Vibe if you want to find out more.
Honorable mention
GoTrax GXL V2
This is probably the most popular GoTrax electric scooter model and for good reason.
We have done an in-depth review of the GoTrax GXL V2 and encourage you to check it out.
The scooter can hit max speeds of 15.5 mph and has an overall range of up to 12 miles per charge. It’s got a LED display which allows you to see speed and battery life unlike the GoTrax Vibe but it only comes in black. We think the fun colors of the Vibe and cheaper price tag make it a better electric scooter for teens.
Plus, we’ve done a comparison between the GoTrax GXL V2 and the GoTrax XR Elite which can help you identify the major differences to determine which of these scooters might be right for your teen.
Fastest Electric Scooter from GoTrax
GoTrax GMax Ultra
This is the top-of-the-line GoTrax model in our minds. Their overall best scooter. It’s got a large LED display on the tech stack, 20 mph max speed and an overall range of 45 miles. It boasts nice large, 10” air filled tires and dual braking. Plus, it’s got a digital lock and a nice wide deck. Overall, it’s the fastest scooter from GoTrax that has the most features. We love this scooter.
We’ve done an in-depth review of the GoTrax Gmax Ultra. Plus, we’ve compared the Gmax Ultra to other GoTrax scooters such as the G4. Thinking about whether you should buy a GoTrax Gmax Ultra or a Ninebot Max so you get the fastest electric scooter? We have done a comparison between the Gmax Ultra vs. Ninebot max.
Honorable mention
GoTrax G4
Close behind the GoTrax GMax Ultra is the GoTrax G4. We love the G4 because it still gets up to speeds of 20 mph like the Gmax Ultra but doesn’t have the same kind of price tag. So, if it’s speed at a low price that you’re after, then you should check out the G4. You’ll give up a few features but, something has to give in order to get that price down, right?
Take a look at our in-dept comparison of the GoTrax Gmax Ultra vs. GoTrax G4.
Best GoTrax Adult Electric Scooter
GoTrax Gmax Ultra
What can we say, we love the Gmax Ultra. It checks almost all boxes that most consumers would want from an electric scooter. However, it’s got a beefy price tag. So, if you’re looking for a cheap electric scooter from GoTrax, read on, because this one isn’t cheap!
Best Cheap Electric Scooter from GoTrax
GoTrax G2 Electric Kick Scooter
This model is slimmed down to the basics in order to get the price to a place where most consumers will pull the trigger and buy. If you’re looking for a basic platform that packs the important benefits of speed (15.5 mph max) at a price tag that’s hard to beat, take a look at this scooter.
Who should choose a GoTrax scooter?
Like Segway Ninebot scooters, GoTrax has a model for almost any use case. Therefore, they capture most of the “consumer-grade” market.
In general, we think that if you are looking for a solid electric scooter platform and don’t care as much about things like a Bluetooth app for your scooter or sleek styling, GoTrax has a scooter model that is likely to fit your need at a price that’s cheaper than a similarly spec’d Segway Ninebot model.
Razor Scooter vs. GoTrax Scooters vs. Segway Scooters
Now, let’s talk about the Razor scooter company. Razor was (in our mind) the company that popularized the kick scooter. They have tons of different models that aren’t electric and that’s where they started.
Like GoTrax, we assume they saw the electric scooter revolution coming and wanted to hop on the bandwagon.
Over the last few years, Razor has been launching new Razor electric scooter models that compete for head-to-head with both GoTrax and Segway.
So, where does the Razor scooter company fall in the overall market of “consumer-grade” electric scooters?
If we are to equate the Razor scooter brand to a car company, we would say it is like a Kia or Hyundai. Razor scooters have a decent amount of core features but don’t have many bells and whistles like Segway Ninebot or GoTrax scooters that drive up the price.
You won’t find external battery packs (like on the Segway scooter models), nor will you find a Bluetooth app (only Segway has an app out of the three scooter companies mentioned here).
Most Razor scooter models don’t have an LED dashboard (tech stack) like Segway Ninebot or GoTrax models.
What you will find in Razor scooter models are the core basics.
The components utilized in most Razor scooters aren’t of as high quality as those you would find on a Segway or a GoTrax scooter. However, you won’t have the same kind of price tag either.
Best Razor Scooter for Kids
Razor Power Core E90 Glow
This isn’t the least expensive Razor electric scooter in the model lineup, but we like it because it’s got decent max speed (10 mph) and it’s got the cool LED lights under the deck — hence the name “glow.” It’s cheaper than the Segway Ninebot Zing E10 and the GoTrax G2 as well.
*Need a Razor scooter charger replacement for your e90? Check out our list of every razor scooter charger. Razor Scooter Charger!
Honorable mention
Old faithful — the Razor e100.
This has been Razor’s solid staple for years. It’s a top seller and for good reason. You get a nice little scooter for a great price. It’s a solid entry-level platform and we think, if you don’t need the coolness factor of the glow on the e90, the best Razor scooter overall for kids is the e100.
*Need a Razor scooter charger replacement for your e100? Check out our list of every razor scooter charger. Razor Scooter Charger!
Best Electric Scooter for Teens from Razor
Razor E-Prime Air
The Razor E-Prime air is where we feel that Razor has decided to jump into the game and compete with the likes of Segway and GoTrax. This scooter looks more like competitors from GoTrax and Segway and acts like it too. While it doesn’t have a tech stack, it does have a battery indicator that lets you know when you are almost out of juice. If you’re on a budget, this is the best razor electric scooter for teens in our opinion.
*Need a Razor scooter charger replacement for your e-Prime? Check out our list of every razor scooter charger. Razor Scooter Charger!
Honorable mention
Razor E300
The e300 is old school Razor. This has been one of, if not the best-selling Razor scooter ever. It’s great for teens and adults. But, it definitely looks like older technology. It’ll hit about 15 mph and the new e300 HD version has a wide deck and rear-wheel drivetrain, which we like.
*Need a Razor scooter charger replacement for your e300? Check out our list of every razor scooter charger. Razor Scooter Charger!
Fastest Electric Razor Scooter
Razor C25
The fastest electric Razor scooter is the new C25. Razor has finally decided to throw their hat into the ring and REALLY compete with the likes of Segway and GoTrax with this new offering. The Razor C25 hits a max speed of 18 mph and puts it in the same speed category as the GoTrax Gmax Ultra and the Ninebot Max but at a significantly lower price. A couple of hundred dollars cheaper!
Best Adult Electric Scooter from Razor
Razor T25
We think the Razor T25 electric scooter is probably the best electric scooter from Razor for adults. With this new model, they begin to compete with the GoTrax GXL V2 and Segway Ninebot ES2 and they do it at a lower price point than both of those scooters. This scooter hits a max speed of 15.5 mph and has the generation 2 look — not the old school looks of the e300.
*Need a Razor scooter charger replacement for your T25? Check out our list of every razor scooter charger. Razor Scooter Charger!
Best Cheap Electric Scooter from Razor
Razor e300
The Razor e300 is the cheapest in the lineup of adult electric scooters for adults. Like we’ve mentioned, it’s been a staple in the Razor lineup. So, if you’re an adult and looking for a cheap electric scooter from Razor, this is your model. Want generation 2 styling? You’ll have to shell out a bit more cash and buy another model — maybe the E-prime Air.
Who should choose a Razor electric scooter?
If you are new to the market and want a cheap electric scooter to see if you like having a scooter, Razor is your brand. They offer a lot of basics for the money. If you are looking to get from point A to point B, Razor does a good job.
However, if you want a commuter scooter to travel long distances or you are looking for the fastest electric scooter (among “consumer-grade” scooters), then you should look at GoTrax or Segway models.
A Razor scooter is great for cruising the neighborhood. Razor offers the best electric scooter for kids for the price. So, if you are looking for an electric scooter for kids or want a cheap adult electric scooter, Razor is the brand for you.
A word about other “mass market” brands to watch out for.
Some of the biggest electric scooter companies that are in the marketplace are Segway Ninebot, The GoTrax scooter company, and Razor scooters.
Razor and Segway were in the market early but they competed on either end of the price spectrum leaving a huge gap in the middle. This gap was filled nicely by GoTrax a few years ago and they have since been adding models that are capturing a lot of market share.
While these three are the “majors” in the electric scooter space, they’ll need to start to watch out for other scooter brands like Mac wheel scooters, Highboy electric scooters, Swagtron, Xiaomi, and multiple others!
It will be interesting to see if any of these brands decide to take a run at one of the three major brands in the future!
Find out the best Segway, GoTrax, and Razor electric scooter models in this article.
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