Segway ES4

Segway ES4 Review – Latest Iteration of the ES series

by Nathan Schaumann

The Segway ES4 is the top-tier model of the ES series, essentially an ES2 with the additional battery just like the ES3, but with the firmware optimized to fully utilize it. It has an advertised range up to ~28 miles and a higher top speed around 18.6 mph.

Click here for the latest price of the Segway ES4.

Q: What is the max speed of the Segway ES4?
A: The ES4 can reach 18.6 mph (30 km/h) in its Sport mode, which is faster than the ES2 or ES3. This is the unlocked top speed, but in markets with speed limits, it may be capped at 25 km/h (15.5 mph). Hint: you can switch region settings in the app to get the higher top speed anywhere.

Q: What is the range of the Segway ES4?
A: Segway advertises up to 28 miles of range on the ES4 in ideal conditions. This assumes a lower-speed mode (Eco ~9 mph) on flat terrain. In Sport mode at full 18.6 mph, the range is more around 20-22 miles on a full charge, but we would still adjust that estimate downwards. In everyday riding, we’d bet most users will see somewhere in the 18-22 mile range per charge.

Other factors that impact range are rider weight, ambient temperature (hotter is better), and overall battery health. We recommend doing a full range test in your specific conditions before trusting it as a commuter for ranges in the upper bounds of 20-22 miles.

Q: What is the battery size of the Segway ES4?
A: The ES4 carries two 187 Wh batteries (one internal, one external) for a total of ~374 Wh capacity. One is in the stem (built-in) and the second is attached externally on the stem. Each is 36 V, 5.2 Ah.

Q: Does the Segway ES4 have a removable battery?
A: Yes, the external battery pack is removable. It attaches/detaches with some screws and a connector. This is designed by Segway to be removable (for replacement or if you want to lighten the scooter). The internal battery is not meant to be removed by the user.

Q: How long does it take to charge the Segway ES4?
A: Charging both batteries on the ES4 from 0 to 100% takes around 6 hours with the standard charger. The charger outputs the same 1.7A at 42 V as the ES2’s, so it needs double the time to fill double the capacity.

Q: What is the weight of the Segway ES4?
A: The ES3 weighs 30.2 lbs. The external battery adds 4 lbs to the ES2’s 26 lbs. It’s still relatively portable, but you do feel the extra few pounds when carrying it. The weight distribution also shifts a bit with the battery on the stem, but not significantly.

Q: What is the weight limit of the Segway ES4?
A: The ES4’s official max rider weight is 100 kg (220 lbs), same as ES2/ES3. The chassis didn’t change, so the structural limit is the same. As always, going near or over that limit can impact performance and longevity. If you’re around that 220 lb mark, the scooter will carry you – just expect a bit slower acceleration and maybe slightly less range.

Q: Is the Segway ES4 single or dual motor?
A: The ES4 uses a single front hub motor. I personally much prefer single motor scooters to have the motor in the rear rather than the front (unlike the Segway ES-series). I own a Hover-1 Journey 2.0 scooter with a front motor that I use for short commutes, and it bugs me that every time I accelerate from a stop (unless I am leaning all the way forward), the front wheel loses traction and skids for a couple feet, gradually eroding the tire tread over time.

Q: How big are the tires on the Segway ES4?
A: It has the 8-inch front and 7.5-inch rear solid tires just like the rest of the ES series. No difference in wheels or tire material – solid rubber with a hollow interior design for a bit of cushion. These tires mean you won’t get flats, but you should watch out for big potholes since there’s no air to absorb a big hit (though you do have springs to help a bit).

Q: What are the brakes on the Segway ES4?
A: The ES4 also employs the electronic regen brake on the front and a stomp foot brake on the rear. Same system as ES2/ES3. With the higher speed, you’ll want to occasionally use the foot brake in tandem for quicker stops, but the electronic brake is usually sufficient for controlled stops from 18 mph if you give it some distance. The regen brake is nice and smooth and recharges the battery (very slightly) when you use it.

Q: Is the Segway ES4 foldable?
A: Yes. One-step folding via the latch at the base of the stem. The external battery doesn’t affect the folding mechanism or the locked folded shape. This portability is a key feature of the ES series, and the ES4 retains it, making it one of the more commuter-friendly scooters in terms of carrying onto a bus or storing under a desk.

Q: Can the Segway ES4 climb hills?
A: The ES4 is better at hills than the ES2. It can handle up to around 15% grade in theory. In practice, that means it will climb typical city hills more quickly, maintaining ~8-10 mph on a moderate incline. Very steep hills will still slow it down significantly, but where an ES2 might not make it without a push, the ES4 often will – albeit slowly on the steepest parts. Still not really a dedicated hill climber.

Q: Does the Segway ES4 have suspension?
A: Yes, it carries the same front and rear suspension springs as the rest of the ES line. So you get a bit of shock absorption. This helps particularly because of the solid tires, making the ride less harsh than it otherwise would be.

Q: Can the Segway ES4 go off-road?
A: The ES4 is not meant for off-road beyond very light use. The capabilities here are identical to ES2/ES3 – it’s mainly for pavement. The solid tires and relatively small wheel size aren’t suitable for loose or rough terrain, nor are the fenders or frame.

Q: Can you ride a Segway ES4 in the rain?
A: Yes, the ES4 is rated IP54 (like the others), meaning it’s okay with rain and splashes. The external battery has rubber gaskets and the ports have covers. Just be careful as always: solid tires + wet ground = need for cautious braking and turning because it can slide if you’re aggressive.

Never charge the scooter when it has been in the rain, or when any components (including the charger itself) are wet.

Q: Does the Segway ES4 have an app?
A: Yes. The ES4 works with the Segway-Ninebot app (the same app as other Segway scooters). Through the app, you can monitor your ride statistics in real time, adjust settings, lock the scooter, and even enable features like “Follow Mode” (if you want to walk alongside the scooter while it powers its wheels slowly). The app is also where you set up the AirLock phone-as-key feature and pair the scooter with Apple Find My. It will also alert you of any firmware updates.

The Freshly Charged Take: The Segway ES4 wraps up the ES series with more speed and range while keeping the scooter light, extremely portable, and commuter-friendly. I doubt anybody would consider this their “forever scooter”, but it’s a good starting point with all the typical features of budget scooters.

More Segway Reviews from Freshly Charged

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