Congratulations on taking the plunge into the world of electric scooters! As e-scooter enthusiasts, builders and designers, we’re always happy when someone joins the club. Whether you’re buying an adult scooter or are shopping for kids’ scooters, below is your ultimate guide to buying your first electric scooter, covering which of our diverse range might be best for you, the dos and don’ts of e-scooter riding and what to consider before you buy.
Start your (electric) engines!
Why Electric Scooters? The Allure of E-Scooting in Australia
Sometimes transportation in Australia isn’t all that fun or practical. Particularly if you live in a major city and only own a car, or are tired of walking everywhere. We understand and we’re working to bridge that gap with Segway scooters.
Electric scooters offer a range of benefits for Australians who want something a little different for their morning commute.
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Eco-Friendly: One great thing about electric scooters is that they’re environmentally friendly when compared to their two-wheeled petrol counterparts and especially to their four-wheeled petrol big brothers. If the environment is important to you, an e-scooter is the way to go.
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Convenience and Communting Quality: No longer will you be stuck behind a traffic jam at 8 AM in the boiling hot sun without coffee. By riding an e-scooter, you’re small enough to safely manoeuvre through traffic jams (when riding on the road where legally allowed to do so). Or, you can skip the road entirely and ride on dedicated multi-use pathways.
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Fun & Accessible: Electric scooters are for everyone! They’re a neat and fun way to zip around town and run your errands or commute to and from work. They’re also reasonably inexpensive to allow for as many riders as possible to experience the joy of scooting.
- Bridging the Gap: Not quite minding the gap, Segway scooters seek to bridge the gap. Even if you take public transportation for the first or last kilometre of your commute, most of our electric scooters are designed to fit safely on public transport, allowing you the convenience of riding to the train/bus and then from the train/bus to work safely and quickly.
Segway Ninebot: A Trusted Brand For Your Electric Scooter Journey
Segway Nine-bot scooters represent the perfect choice for those just getting into e-scooting, or for those experienced riders looking for a second scooter, or perhaps a kids’ scooter. Here are a few reasons why we’re trusted as producers of the best electric scooters in Australia.
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Safety First: Safety is always our number one priority. We’ve designed our Segway Ninebot line to feature dual braking systems, bright front and rear LED lights and our tyres are long-lasting to make your ride as safe as possible in all weather conditions.
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Embracing Tech: At Segway-Ninebot, we believe that technology should be embraced. That’s why we’ve paired our Segway Ninebot e-scooter with the Segway Ninebot app to help you track your charge, mileage and tyre pressure remotely. We’ve also designed our controls to be intuitive and easy to use, making us the perfect choice for a kids’ scooter brand that’s all about ease of use and encouraging the little ones to ride.
- Something For Everyone: Our model range features something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a slick city commuter that’s foldable for public transit, or a smaller, less powerful model for your kid to enjoy weekend scoots around the local neighbourhood, Segway Ninebot e-scooters have what you need.
The Best Beginner Segway- Ninebot E-Scooter Models
The following models are our primary recommendations to those just beginning to explore e-scooters.
E2
One of our flagship models for beginner Segway Ninebot scooters is the E2. Smooth and steady is the aim of the game with the Segway Ninebot E2, featuring a top speed of 20km/h, a dual braking system and a 2.8-inch LED dashboard. In addition, the E2 has an IP rating of X4 and its batteries are rated at IPX6.
You can enjoy a maximum range of 25km at maximum speed, easily enough to complete your first and last-mile commutes. You can also enjoy four modes with the E2: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Walk Mode. The latter two reduce the maximum to 15km/h and can be used when dismounted or to save battery before a charge. With its powerful motors, the E2 can climb a 12% gradient hill with ease.
E2 Pro
The E2 Pro is a bit of a step up from the E2. This Ninebot scooter boasts a top speed of 25.5km/h and has a range limit of 27km on a full charge. With a rear-wheel drive engine offering 750W of power, the E2 Pro will have you cruising up hills of 18% gradient with ease. We’ve ensured that the E2 Pro electric scooter is as safe as houses with 10-inch tubeless tyres, an anti-skid Traction Control System and front and rear indicators.
E2 Plus
The E2 Plus is reliable and stylish, and ideal for longer commutes. With a maximum range of 30km, the E2 Plus has a dual braking system for enhanced safety and 10-inch pneumatic tires that provide a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough surfaces. One of the standout features of the E2 Plus is its vibrant LED lights underneath, making it a hit with kids and adding a touch of flair.
Comparing the E2, E2 Pro and E2 Plus
The E2, E2 Pro, and E2 Plus are all fantastic electric scooters, each with their place in your electric scooter family. The lower top speed of the E2 and the safety features of both make it a favourite among those looking for kids’ scooters, the E2 Plus is geared towards the everyday commuter travelling longer distances to and from work. The E2 Plus is also a hit with kids thanks to LED lights underneath. The E2 Pro, on the other hand, is designed for those who want great performance and advanced features.
Max G2
The Max G2 has a top speed of 25km/h (by law) and a range of almost 70km, making it the perfect option for the hardcore electric scooter rider.
It has rear-wheel drive with maximum power of 900W and a 551W battery with a multi-layer cooling system to help keep your battery cool, even as you push your electric scooter to its upper limits. With the Max G2, you’ll be able to handle a maximum slope of 22%, so a hilly morning commute is no problem.
F2
The Segway Ninebot F2 electric scooter opens up a new frontier in commuting, with a range of 33km on a full charge and a maximum speed of 25km/h, delivering 700W and able to climb an 18% gradient incline, the F2 is the flagship commuting machine of Segway electric scooters.
Its tyres also feature anti-skid technology in its Traction Control System and are ‘self-sealing’ for maintenance-free riding. Our dual-braking technology also incorporates a rear E-ABS system for maximum stopping power. We’ve also made sure that you’re safe in traffic by incorporating turn signals into the Segway Ninebot F2.
With a 367Wh battery, you likely will only need to charge the F2 once during the day, with the possibility of stretching its range capacity for two days if you use it as a first/last mile machine.
F2 Pro
The F2 Pro is a significant upgrade to the F2. Like the F2, it features a TCS and turn indicators, but has received significant upgrades in the power and safety departments. A high-decibel electric horn has been added, along with front suspension and 55mm wide tyres for a smoother ride.
In the power department, it now offers 900W of power and can climb a 22% gradient incline with ease. Its maximum range has increased to around 40km on a single charge, with a theoretical range of a whopping 55km.
We have kitted the F2 Pro out with front and rear lights as standard and reflectors on the front, back and sides to ensure your scooter is as visible as possible for those nighttime commutes home.
Comparing the F2 & F2 Pro
When it comes to choosing between Segway scooters’ F2 or F2 Pro, it’s really about the type of riding you’ll be doing on your electric scooter. If you plan on using your e-scooter as a last or first-mile commuter, don’t plan on riding at night and have reliable access to a charging plug (or extra batteries), then the F2 makes the most sense.
However, if you’re going to be going everywhere on your electric scooter, then the F2 Pro (with additional range, improved safety features and lighting), makes the most sense.
Additionally, if you’re looking to get your teenager their first electric scooter, the F2 is a great introductory option. While not necessarily a kids' scooter, it could be a great upgrade from the E2, or another existing electric scooter.
Essential Considerations When Choosing Your First E-Scooter
There are a few essential considerations to make when you choose your first electric scooter. They are the following:
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Range and Battery Life: Consider how you’ll ride your electric scooter. Will you be doing the maximum every day and then charging it up at night? Or will you be able to comfortably do ~15-20km per day and then charge it every second day?
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Speed, Power & Safety: What type of terrain will you be using your electric scooter on? Are you going to be sticking to the concrete jungles of Australian cities, or will you be moving through light sand, dirt or gravel on multi-use paths? If so, ensure you choose a scooter with a maximum speed and power output that you feel comfortable riding.
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Portability: Consider where you’ll be storing your electric scooter when it’s not in use. Is it just going to be sitting in your garage or home? If you’re going to be using it as a commuter, then it’s likely that a lightweight model that’s more portable will be a better choice for use on public transport.
- Safety Features: Prioritise models that come with lots of safety features. While you’re not riding at car-like speeds, going from 20km/h to 0 will still really hurt, should you crash. Choose a model that has dual brakes, indicators that light up and bright lighting so that you can be easily seen at dusk/night. If you’re buying a kids’ scooter, safety should be your first consideration.
Riding Safely and Legally in Australia
Here are a few tips on ensuring a safe, legal ride on your new Ninebot electric scooter.
- Check Local Regulations: In Australia, electric scooter regulations vary based on state and territory, and your local city or town’s bylaws. Be sure to check local regulations about things like where you can ride and how fast you can ride before just venturing out.
Australian Scooter Regulations by State/Territory
Western Australia
- The lower age limit for riding an electric scooter in Australia is 16.
- You are not required to have a license or insurance.
- You are required to wear a helmet and your scooter must be equipped with lights and a bell/horn.
- You are fully able to ride on the road, provided you abide by all traffic regulations. You may also use multi-use paths, bike paths and footpaths.
- The speed limit is 25km/h everywhere except for footpaths, where it must be reduced to 10km/h.
Northern Territory
Riders in the Northern Territory are only permitted to ride electric scooters (in public places) that have been rented to them by Beam Mobility, in partnership with the Government of the Northern Territory.
- Scooters under this rental scheme cannot exceed 15km/h, making them kids’ scooters only.
- Scooters cannot be brought on public transport in NT.
- You must wear a helmet and have a bell/horn when riding your electric scooter (on private property) or when riding a rented electric scooter in a public place.
Australian Capital Territory
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In the ACT, electric scooters, kids’ scooters and high-performance scooters are fully permitted on public roadways, footpaths and multi-use paths.
- You must observe a speed limit of 25km/h everywhere except for footpaths, where a 15km/h speed limit is enforced.
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You must be 12 or older to ride an e-scooter in the ACT. You must also wear a helmet and have an appropriate bell/horn.
- If you plan on bringing your foldable scooter onto public transport, you must ask the driver’s permission before doing so.
South Australia
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In South Australia, riders of electric scooters must be over the age of 18.
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Riders cannot ride an electric scooter anywhere except for footpaths and shared paths while maintaining a speed limit of 15km/h.
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You cannot bring your electric scooter on public transport with you in SA.
- You must wear a certified helmet and have a horn/bell and lights.
Tasmania
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Tasmanian electric scooter regulations permit the use of scooters on all road surfaces.
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While you are permitted on all road surfaces, including shared paths, bike paths and footpaths, you are to reduce your speed to 15km/h on footpaths, while observing a 25km/h limit elsewhere.
- You must be over the age of 16 to ride an electric scooter in Tasmania, but not require a license or insurance.
Queensland
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Electric scooters can be ridden anywhere in Queensland (roads, shared paths, footpaths and bike paths), however, the speed limit is 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h elsewhere.
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Kids electric scooters are permitted in QLD, provided that riders between 12 and 16 are supervised by an adult.
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Insurance and licensing is not required.
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Your blood-alcohol content must be lower than 0.05
- You must ask the driver’s permission before bringing your electric scooter aboard public transportation.
New South Wales
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Recreational scooters are illegal, however NSW has set up specific trial areas where a rented electric scooter can be ridden.
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Electric scooters aren’t allowed on roads or footpaths.
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The maximum speed limit is 20km/h on a bike path and 10km/h on a shared path.
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Riders are required to be over the age of 16 in NSW.
- You must have a horn/bell and lights when riding in NSW.
Victoria
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Electric scooters are permitted in Victoria on roads, bike paths and shared paths, but not on footpaths.
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Riders must be 16 years or older but do not need insurance or a license, but are required to have a helmet and a horn/bell.
- You cannot carry your electric scooter on public transport.
Segway Online is committed to delivering the best electric scooters in Australia, whether ordered online or in person. However, there are a few benefits to ordering your Segway Ninebot electric scooter online. These include:
- Fast shipping.
- Factory 12-month warranty from the date they leave our factory.
- Official Segway Australia products - we will never sell ‘grey market’ parts!
- Our online support staff are all based in Australia, maintaining a relevant and relatable service presence to connect better with our customers.
If you’ve been searching for your first electric scooter, consider Segway Nine Bot Australia as your premiere vendor of first-class electric scooters in the country. If you’re looking to buy for someone else, we also provide a fantastic line of kids’ scooters. There’s something for everyone with Segway electric scooters. Check out our selection of e-scooters online today.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general reference only, accurate as of August 7th, 2024. Local regulations regarding electric scooter use and purchasing may vary. We strongly encourage you to conduct independent research and consult with your local transport authority before purchasing or operating an electric scooter in your state.
