Razor E100 vs Segway Ninebot: How Do These Electric Scooters Compare in 2024?

Electric scooters offer a fun and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for brief commutes and city travel. Razor E100 and Segway Ninebot are two well-liked electric scooter models among people of all ages.

But how do these two scooters compare when it comes to speed, range, features and overall performance? This comprehensive analysis will contrast the Razor E100 and the Segway Ninebot in every respect, enabling you to determine which is more suitable for your requirements.

Comfort, portability, ride quality, and battery life will all be discussed, among other things. You will know precisely which of these electric rideables fits your lifestyle and budget the best by the end. Let’s get started!

Overview and Specs

To kick things off, let’s look at an overview and key specs for each scooter model:

Razor E100

Razor E100
  • Top speed: 10 mph
  • Range: 40 min continuous use
  • Motor: 100W chain-driven
  • Battery: 24V sealed lead acid
  • Charge time: 12 hours
  • Weight: 29 lbs
  • Load capacity: 120 lbs
  • Wheels: 8” pneumatic tires
  • Brakes: Hand operated rear brake
  • Age: 8+ years

Segway Ninebot

Segway Ninebot
  • Top speed: 10 mph
  • Range: 13.7 miles
  • Motor: 300W hub motor
  • Battery: 28.8V lithium ion
  • Charge time: 6 hours
  • Weight: 28 lbs
  • Load capacity: 220 lbs
  • Wheels: 9” pneumatic tires
  • Brakes: Electric + foot brake
  • Age: 16+ years

Both the E100 and Ninebot max out at a top speed of 10mph, but the Ninebot has over triple the range at 13.7 miles vs only 40 minutes for the Razor. The Segway also uses a more powerful lithium ion battery that recharges faster than the E100’s lead acid battery.

On the contrary, with a lighter weight and a lower minimum recommended age, the Razor E100 may be more appropriate for motorcyclists in their youth.

Ride Quality and Performance

Ride comfort, smoothness, acceleration and overall performance significantly impact how enjoyable an electric scooter is to use. In terms of ride quality in the actual world, the Razor E100 and Segway Ninebot models are comparable as follows:

Acceleration and Responsiveness

The E100 offers solid low end torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 10mph in about 10 seconds. Throttle response feels consistent and predictable. However, the chain driven motor can feel slightly noisy.

The operation of the Segway Ninebot is reduced to a whisper through the use of a hub motor. The acceleration feels remarkably seamless. Six seconds is all it takes for the Ninebot to accelerate to a maximum of 10 mph due to its higher amperage motor. In general, the throttle and power delivery feel more refined than on the E100.

Handling and Stability

Riders report the Razor E100 feels stable and easy to maneuver at lower speeds thanks to its wide pneumatic tires. But it can feel wobbly over 10mph. At 29 pounds in weight, the E100 lacks the planted sensation associated with heavier scooters.

The Segway Ninebot, on the other hand, provides exceptional maneuverability and stability at maximum speed. It is equipped with knee steering and superior suspension for controlled cornering and bump absorption, even at high velocities, despite its relatively light weight of 28 pounds.

Comfort and Smoothness

Although it offers sufficient capacity, the E100’s 100W motor lacks the sophistication of the Ninebot’s. Vibration from the chain mechanism can transmit up the handlebars. Additionally, the firm deck is poor at absorbing impacts. Overall comfort is passable but not exceptional.

Comfort is a major strength on the Ninebot. For an exceptionally smooth ride, the combination of the front and rear shock absorption and the large air-filled tires allows for effortless movement over cracks and potholes. With the knee steering bar and kickstand, riding is effortless and requires little effort.

Braking

The primary source of stopping power for the Razor E100 is a manually operated rear brake. It works adequately but lacks engine braking. Squeezing too hard can lock up the rear wheel under hard braking.

For redundancy, the Ninebot is equipped with both an electric motor brake and a mechanical rear foot brake. Braking feels considerably more linear and controlled. Large tires offer sufficient traction for a progressive deceleration without skidding.

Hill Climbing

Thanks to its chain driven motor, the E100 can tackle inclines of up to 10% grade. Its 100W power output challenges on steeper inclines, necessitating the use of kicking assistance. Overall hill climbing capability is moderate.

The Segway Ninebot delivers 300W of continuous power allowing it to motor smoothly up 20% grades with a full size adult rider. Bicycling or kicking is unnecessary, even on precipitous urban hills. The efficacy on inclines is significantly superior to that of the E100.

Battery Life and Charging

Range anxiety is one of the biggest concerns for any electric rideable owner. The batteries and overall range of the Segway Ninebot and Razor E100 scooters are comparable as follows:

Battery Type

The E100 uses a 24V sealed lead acid battery. This is an older, more affordable battery technology that has a few drawbacks in comparison to lithium ion. Lead acid batteries are more capaciously depleted over time, are bulkier, and weigh more.

Conversely, the Ninebot operates on a lithium ion battery cell with a substantial capacity of 28.8V. Li-ion batteries offer the benefits of lighter weight, smaller size, faster charging, and longer overall lifespan. The Ninebot unquestionably emerges successful in the realm of battery technology.

Range

Razor advertises “up to 40 minutes of continuous use” per charge. However, range depends greatly on rider weight, speed, and hills. Smaller kids may achieve over an hour of moderate riding. Significantly less range will be available to larger riders at maximum speed.

The Segway Ninebot is estimated to offer 13.7 miles per charge. In practice, reviews estimate distances of 10 to 15 miles, contingent upon the terrain and riding manner. This is equivalent to more than five times the E100’s mileage!

Charging Time

The E100’s lead acid battery requires a lengthy 12 hours to recharge from empty back to a full charge. This severely limits how often you can ride per day and means leaving it plugged in overnight.

Fast charging technology allows the lithium battery of the Ninebot to be fully recharged in as little as four hours. Since the majority of motorcyclists will not completely deplete the battery in a single day, overnight charging is adequate for daily use.

Battery Life

Lead acid batteries steadily lose capacity as they are charged repeatedly. It is common for the battery life of E100s to decrease after one to two years, resulting in an even shorter range per charge. Eventually the battery will need replacement.

In comparison, lithium ion batteries maintain consistent range for years and through 500+ charging cycles before capacity fades noticeably. Expect the Ninebot battery to last exponentially longer before needing replacement.

ride1 Ride Quality/Performance

MetricRazor E100Segway Ninebot
Acceleration/ResponsivenessModerate, noisy chain motorVery fast, quiet acceleration
Handling/StabilityStable at low speeds, gets wobblyExcellent handling up to top speed
Comfort/SmoothnessPassable, vibrations transmit through barsExtremely smooth suspension and tires
BrakingRear hand brake onlyRegenerative braking + foot brake
Hill ClimbingUp to 10% grade inclinesUp to 20% grades easily

ride2 Battery/Range

MetricRazor E100Segway Ninebot
Battery Type24V sealed lead acid28.8V lithium ion
Max Range40 min continuous use13.7 miles per charge
Recharge Time12 hours4-6 hours
Battery LifespanDeclines after 1-2 years500+ cycles over several years

Portability

Being able to easily transport your electric scooter is key for many owners. Here is how the portability and folding mechanisms of the E100 and Ninebot compare:

Weight

At just 29 lbs, the Razor E100 is one of the lightest electric scooters around. Kids and smaller teens will find it easy to maneuver while heavier adults can still pick it up reasonably well. The weight keeps it from feeling bulky.

The Ninebot weighs 28 lbs – so it’s nearly identical to the E100 in heft. This moderately light weight allows most riders to carry it short distances or bring it up stairs with little trouble.

Folding

The E100 does not have a folding mechanism. The handlebars are fixed and the deck is a single piece. You cannot collapse it smaller to store in a car or on public transportation easily.

In contrast, the Segway Ninebot features an easy one-step folding system. The handlebar and knee steering bar fold in, decreasing its footprint immensely for transport and compact storage.

Carrying

When it comes time to move the E100, there are no convenient built-in carrying handles. You mainly need to awkwardly grab the handlebars and lift by the deck. Bringing it up stairs or onto buses can be challenging.

Integrated carrying handles underneath the Ninebot deck allow you to heft it by the sturdy middle. This makes maneuvering up stairs or steps much easier. The one handed carrying style is ideal for bringing it on public transit.

Storage

Without folding capability, the E100 takes up considerable floor space. It may fit in larger car trunks but not easily in back seats. Storing in a closet is also a tight squeeze.

Thanks to its ability to fold down nearly in half, the Ninebot can fit nicely in many car trunks, SUV cargo areas, back seats and reasonably sized closets or corners. The folding design is vastly more storage friendly.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Ride feel and ergonomics determine how comfortable an electric scooter will be over extended outings:

Deck Size

The Razor E100 has a deck measuring about 7.5” wide by 21” long. The limited standing space feels cramped for larger adult shoes. Kids and smaller teens will find it adequate.

At 15” wide, the Ninebot more than doubles the usable deck space of the E100. Even adults with large shoe sizes have ample room to find a stable footing and stance. The deck size difference is substantial.

Deck Texture

The E100 features a basic, flat plastic foot deck that can become rather slippery if damp. It lacks extensive texturing for grip. Riders may want to modify it with skateboard grip tape for better traction.

In contrast, the large Ninebot deck incorporates molded-in grip texture and a kick guard in the back. This helps shoes “lock in” safely even when the deck gets wet. The deck molding shows much more attention to ergonomics.

Suspension

Unfortunately the beginner level E100 lacks any built-in suspension or shock absorption. Only the air filled tires provide minimal impact damping. Expect to feel every crack and bump through the handlebars and floorboard.

The Ninebot sets itself apart with front and rear spring shock suspension for an exceptionally smooth ride. The integrated suspension soaks up bumps that would jar and rattle riders on a non-suspended scooter. The difference is remarkable.

Handlebars

On the E100, handlebar height is not adjustable. At 34” they work acceptably for older kids and teens plus shorter adults. Tall riders may find them uncomfortably low. Grips are basic rubber pads.

Height adjustable handlebars allow riders from 4’5” up to 6’5” to dial in the perfect height on the Segway Ninebot. The ergonomic grips stay comfortable even during long rides.

Features and Customization

Both scooters provide certain convenience features that improve the overall functionality:

Speed Settings

The Razor E100 allows adjusting the maximum speed via an under deck switch. It can be changed between 10mph, 12mph and 15mph to match rider skill level. Parents can limit speed for beginners learning.

While the Ninebot maxes out at 10mph, it offers three speed modes also adjustable via an easy button. Beginners can start in the 4 mph mode and work up from there as skills improve. The speed adjustment options are very comparable.

Kickstart

The E100 is equipped with a practical kick-start function. You simply kick off a couple times to get rolling then throttle up smoothly to engage the electric motor. This allows you to conserve battery if desired.

Additionally, the Ninebot can be started by performing a “kickstart” motion prior to adjusting the throttle. This allows riding with 100% electric power or alternating kicking and coasting to save battery when desired.

Cruise Control

Cruise control lets you lock in your desired speed hands-free. This practical feature is regrettably absent from the base Razor E100 model. You must maintain thumb pressure on the throttle to keep moving.

On the other hand, the Ninebot is outfitted with a cruise control button that enables precise speed settings followed by autonomous speed maintenance. This is a tremendous benefit when you need to relax your right hand during lengthy straightaways.

Customization

Altering the appearance of the E100 is confined in scope. You can add grip tape, stickers or paint details but not much else. Parents may want to add reflective side bands for visibility.

Segway provides owners with an extensive selection of fashionable accessories that can be used to personalize their Ninebot. Carbon fiber accents, colored rims, add-on lights, and storage bags are among the available options. The possibilities are endless!

Warranty and Support

Warranty coverage when purchasing an electric vehicle offers reassurance in the event that any defects occur:

Warranty Comparison

  • There is a 90-day limited warranty on the E100 frame. The electrical components are covered for 6 months from the purchase date.
  • On the other hand, Segway offers a limited warranty of one year that covers manufacturing defects encompassing both the electrical components and the frame.

Customer Support

  • Communicating with Razor support may present challenges, as evidenced by a multitude of customer reviews that highlight difficulties in receiving replies from support staff.
  • Segway earns high marks for customer service responsiveness. Contact their support team through live online chat, phone, or email to receive prompt resolutions to any issues that may arise.

In conclusion, the Ninebot frame is backed by a one-year warranty as opposed to the E100 frame’s 90 days. Additionally, Segway is widely regarded for its exceptional customer service support when required.

Cost Comparison

Obviously, price is a significant factor when deciding between the Segway Ninebot and Razor E100 electric scooters. The following compares their MSRP and overall value:

Base Price

  • Razor E100: MSRP $120-$180 depending on retailer
  • Segway Ninebot: MSRP $559 on Segway.com

There is no contest when it comes to upfront purchase price. The E100 can readily be found for under $150 in many cases, making it very budget friendly. Meanwhile the Ninebot costs over 3 times as much at its $559 MSRP price.

The price disparity is, nevertheless, somewhat narrowed by the availability of Ninebot discounts during promotions on Amazon and other retailers.

Value Comparison

Most riders conclude that the Ninebot’s significantly longer battery life, more consistent power delivery, suspension, and overall superior quality more than compensate for its higher initial cost.

The saying “you get what you pay for” definitely applies here. In terms of comprehensive ownership experience, the Ninebot significantly exceeds that of the E100. For serious electric scooter enthusiasts, the extra upfront investment pays for itself through exceptional performance and durability.

However, parents on a limited budget who are looking for an entry-level e-scooter can effectively assess their children’s interest and responsiveness with the E10

riders1 Features

FeatureRazor E100Segway Ninebot
Speed Settings10/12/15 mph switchBeginner/Standard/Sport button
KickstartYesYes
Cruise ControlNoYes
CustomizationLimitedExtensive accessory options

riders2 Warranty/Support

ComparisonRazor E100Segway Ninebot
Frame Warranty90 days1 year
Electronics Warranty6 months1 year
Customer SupportMixed reviewsExcellent reviews

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, although the E100 is a commendable entry-level scooter suitable for children, the Segway Ninebot emerges victorious on account of its exceptional range, refined suspension, and superior build quality. By making an additional investment in the Ninebot, you acquire an electric scooter that will serve as a pleasurable mode of daily transportation for many years, as opposed to being a disposable novelty.

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