Segway Ninebot F3 Pro review: A multifunctional e-scooter
Benedikt Winkel, ✓ (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy) Published 🇩🇪 🇪🇸 ...
Verdict: Segway offers an impressive set of functions
With the Ninebot F3 Pro, Segway offers a high-priced but well-equipped e-scooter. The scooter impresses with its exceptional riding stability - it doesn’t get rattled. Equally positive is its near-silent operation.
The package is enhanced by an app with many features: Bluetooth unlocking, an immobilizer, an alarm system, hill start assist, and traction control. All of this can be managed quickly and easily via smartphone. The same goes for time-scheduled charging, navigation on the scooter’s display, and turning off the annoying blinker sound.
Segway plans to offer an additional battery later this year, which will further extend the F3 Pro’s range. We’d like to see a firmer brake feel - possibly with a hydraulic system - and smoother rolling behavior.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Ninebot F3 Pro has a recommended retail price (RRP) of €699. At the time of testing, the scooter was not available on the manufacturer’s website but could be pre-ordered.
Table of Contents
- Verdict: Segway offers an impressive set of functions
- Unboxing and assembly - The Ninebot F3 Pro is quickly ready to go
- Features and operation - F3 Pro with many functions
- Lighting - F3 Pro with turn signals in the handlebar ends
- App and smart functions - F3 Pro with immobilizer, alarm and navigation system
- Ride impression and comfort - F3 Pro a little stiff but nearly silent
- Acceleration and braking - F3 Pro is powerful and brakes safely
- Battery and charging - 50 km (about 31 miles) is realistic with the F3 Pro
Segway offers a wide variety of e-scooters. The Ninebot F3 Pro is pretty high up in the internal ranking. Only the “premium kick scooters” in the GT series are positioned above it. The F3 Pro is designed to impress with its comfortable suspension, strong performance, and numerous software features.
The model has navigation, an immobilizer, automatic lights and traction control. Many functions can be set and updates installed through an app.
| Technical data | Segway Ninebot F3 Pro |
|---|---|
| Battery | 477 Wh |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive with 500-watt brushless motor |
| Top speed | 12.4 mph (20 km/h) |
| Range (manufacturer data) | 60 km (Sport mode) / 70 km (ECO mode) |
| Charger | 70 watts |
| Max Load capacity | 120 kg |
| Tires | 10 x inch, pneumatic tubeless tires |
| Brake system | Mechanical disc brakes + electric motor brake |
| Weight | 43.6 lbs (19.78 kg) |
| Lighting | Full LED, indicators in handlebar ends |
| Additional features | Front (hydraulic) and rear (elastomer) suspension, hook for loads, immobilizer, alarm system, hill start assist, traction control, navigation |
Unboxing and assembly - The Ninebot F3 Pro is quickly ready to go
The Segway Ninebot F3 Pro arrives mostly pre-assembled. Only the handlebars and display need to be attached, which requires four screws—the necessary tools are included. Instructions, including unpacking guidance, are printed directly on the packaging.
Additional tools for retightening screws are included in the box, as well as the charger, illustrated multi-language instructions and the declaration of conformity. The F3 Pro is approved for use in Germany.
Important startup information information is printed on the protective film covering the display. It notes that the scooter must be connected to the charger for at least three seconds, otherwise it cannot be activated. A QR code also links to the companion smartphone app.
The scooter is well packed and partially charged. Tire pressure is also correctly set. After attaching the license plate, you're ready to ride.
Technical data in comparison
| Segway Ninebot F3 Pro | Joyor Y8-S | SoFlow So4 Pro Gen2 | Xiaomi 4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 477 Wh | 1248 Wh | 504 Wh | 446 Wh |
| Rated power/ maximum power | 500 W/1200 W | 500 W/810 W | 500 W/1000 W | 350 W/700 W |
| Max. Climbing ability | 24% | 15% | 27-33% | 20% |
| Weight | 19.78 kg | 24.4 kg | 18.73 kg | 17.4 kg |
| Max. Max. load | 120 kg | 120 kg | 150 kg | 120 kg |
Features and operation - F3 Pro with many functions
Segway offers a great deal of equipment with the Ninebot F3 Pro. An electric motor with a maximum output of 1200 W operates in the rear wheel, while the continuous output is 500 W. The scooter rolls on 10-inch tubeless pneumatic tires. It is braked with mechanical disc brakes, supplemented by an electronic brake.
The handlebars of the F3 Pro can be folded down and locked in the footboard. It is not possible to fold down the handlebar ends, nor can the height of the handlebar be adjusted. The eScooter has full suspension, a hydraulic system is used at the front and the manufacturer relies on elastomer at the rear.
The e-scooter is IPX6 waterproof. A lock can be passed through the bracket at the front to secure the scooter. The F3 Pro is operated via the Segway mobility app and a control unit on the left handle. The control unit has a total of five buttons and is easy to reach.
Lighting - F3 Pro with turn signals in the handlebar ends
The Ninebot F3 Pro offers a full range of lighting equipment. The LED headlight, located below the display unit, can be tilted and turned on or off manually. Alternatively, the scooter offers a light sensor and switches independently.
At the rear, the lighting is located in the mudguard and the F3 Pro has a brake light function. Flashing is also possible. The LEDs are located in the handlebar ends and shine both forwards and backwards. All light functions are operated via the multifunctional unit on the handlebars. A bonus: the blinker sounds can be turned off using the app.
App and smart functions - F3 Pro with immobilizer, alarm and navigation system
The Segway Mobility app is the control center for the Ninebot F3 Pro. Riding data is displayed in the app - in real time. The app can also be used to adjust settings and install updates. There were several of these for battery, motor and control unit during the test period.
The app has a wide range of functions. It can be used to individually assign a button on the multifunction unit, for example to switch through the recuperation modes or to activate the hill start assist. The F3 Pro also offers an integrated navigation solution - instructions are displayed on the screen. Optionally, the panel also provides information about incoming calls.
If desired, the scooter can be locked to prevent easy theft. If the function is activated, the system not only disables the motor, but also locks the rear wheel. The scooter cannot be pushed away - although it can still be carried away.
The Ninebot also has an alarm system. If any movement of the eScooter is detected, it flashes and honks loudly and continuously. This should also deter thieves. The last location of the scooter can be determined via the app, and the F3 Pro also supports Apple’s "Find My" network.
The scooter can be unlocked by entering a pattern on the multi-operator panel or by using a paired smartphone within Bluetooth range (AirLock) - the required proximity can be set in the app. This function worked flawlessly in testing, with the scooter activating as soon as the correct smartphone was nearby.
The charging status can also be displayed via the app and charging can be scheduled.
Ride impression and comfort - F3 Pro a little stiff but nearly silent
The Ninebot F3 Pro rides extremely smoothly - in a positive sense. The eScooter is extremely stable in all riding situations. Segway relies on a stabilization system on the fork - called SegRide - in combination with a large caster. The result is impressive: whether at high speeds, one-handed riding or cobblestones, the F3 Pro stays composed and doesn’t wobble.
We also appreciate the spacious footboard. The footboard is large enough to place your feet parallel or one behind the other. The handlebar also sits comfortably in the hand. The height is not adjustable, but fits the 185 cm tall tester very well. The grip width is not adjustable.
There are plus points for the free space on the handlebars, which can be used for accessories. In addition, the throttle can be used both with thumb throttle and as a twist grip. This adds comfort, especially on longer rides - although the F3 Pro does not have cruise control.
A downside is the stiff rolling characteristics of the tubeless tires. Despite full suspension, the scooter rolls very dry. Small bumps, for example from cobblestones, are barely dampened and passed on to the rider. The traction control is also very cautious. On cobblestones or somewhat loose surfaces, it takes away power early on.
However, the rolling behavior of the tires ensures very good gliding properties when the recuperation is switched off. The F3 Pro also impresses with its almost silent operation. The eScooter also impresses with constant power on long climbs. It also masters longer climbs at almost top speed
Acceleration and braking - F3 Pro is powerful and brakes safely
When it comes to acceleration, there's a noticeable difference between the three riding modes. In "ECO", the scooter accelerates very sluggishly, while the D mode is very suitable for everyday use. In Sport, the F3 Pro responds sharply, reacting to throttle input with spontaneous and vigorous power. In this mode, the Ninebot feels very powerful, especially when starting off.
The Segway scooter takes a relatively long time for the last two to three km/h up to the assistance limit at 20 km/h (~12.4 MPH). This also becomes clear in our comparative measurements. From 5-15 km/h (~3.1-9.3 MPH), the F3 Pro is at the top of the field. The average time from 5 to 20 km/h, on the other hand, is no longer top.
The braking performance is impressive, both in terms of the measured values and subjectively. The two disc brakes are only controlled mechanically, and we adjusted the pressure point early on because the system did not lock the wheels even when the levers were pulled to the limit. Adjusted and braked, the braking point is easy to control, but not sharp. The system lacks a bit of bite.
The mechanical brake is supported by an electric brake via the motor. The combination is sensitive and efficient. The rear wheel can be held exactly at the locking limit. At the same time, the scooter remains stable and controllable.
Battery and charging - 50 km (about 31 miles) is realistic with the F3 Pro
The F3 Pro has a battery capacity of 477 Wh, and the battery is installed in the footboard. The charging port is protected by a rubber cover and is easily accessible underneath the handlebar. Segway offers a battery extension for the scooter, which is attached directly to the charging flap. The extension has an additional capacity of 460 Wh.
For the internal battery, Segway claims a range of 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) in Eco mode and 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) in Sport mode. The scooter indicates the charge level and calculated range in the display for the respective mode, and the data is continuously updated during the ride.
We took the Ninebot F3 Pro on a tour of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) at a stretch. In Sport mode, the scooter had to negotiate climbs, ride on loose surfaces and there were few opportunities for recuperation. In this scenario, we did not reach the factory specification, but only half of it. In everyday use, however, ranges of 50 kilometers are realistic if recuperation is used.
The charger achieved a charging capacity of around 70 watts in the test. The 321 Wh consumed on the test lap are recharged in around six hours. The scooter shows the charge level and the remaining charging time on the display and in the app.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
This is how Notebookcheck is testing
Every year, Notebookcheck independently reviews hundreds of laptops and smartphones using standardized procedures to ensure that all results are comparable. We have continuously developed our test methods for around 20 years and set industry standards in the process. In our test labs, high-quality measuring equipment is utilized by experienced technicians and editors. These tests involve a multi-stage validation process. Our complex rating system is based on hundreds of well-founded measurements and benchmarks, which maintains objectivity. Further information on our test methods can be found here.
