Segway E125S Test: An Ambitious Challenger

A fairly powerful engine, comprehensive equipment, and good autonomy: the Segway E125S has plenty of arguments on paper. But is it truly convincing?

New to the powered two-wheeler market, the Sino-American company Segway-Ninebot has chosen to focus on the 50 cc equivalent segment. It is within this family that the E125S belongs, although its name suggests otherwise.

Visually very close to the E110S, the E125S is technically less basic. It indeed features a more powerful motorization and a second battery that significantly increases the range. More upscale with a price approaching €4,000, it has the unique feature of an ABS system, equipment unavailable on competing scooters in this category.

Design and Practical Aspects

The Segway E125S follows the lines of the E110S but benefits from a more refined finish. The mirrors, kickstand, passenger grab handle, and other small elements are adorned with chrome. The seat features a cognac-colored covering and badges with the brand’s name on the sides. The grips are also in cognac. Regarding the color of the fairing, Segway offers a choice between Atlantic blue, Ruby red, Phantom black, and Arctic white for our scooter.

The space left for a potential second passenger is more than sufficient for comfortable travel. However, note that the backrest on our test vehicle is not part of the standard equipment.

The E125S has a large under-seat storage compartment that easily fits a helmet. A small open compartment is also located in the dashboard. The digital instrumentation is complete and displays an interesting estimate of the remaining range in kilometers. However, it can be affected by reflections in sunny weather.

Driving Experience

The Segway E125S is powered by a QS Motor electric engine. The peak power of 3 kW corresponds to the high end of what is available in the 50 cc category. This offers satisfying performance, with lively acceleration and good torque.

At startup, the scooter responds immediately. The unpleasant on-off effect sometimes encountered on electric two-wheelers is here perfectly smoothed out. Overall, the linear management of the motor ensures a pleasant riding experience.

The E125S features energy recovery during braking, which automatically produces a slight deceleration as soon as you stop accelerating. Around 7 or 8 km/h, the system switches off, allowing the scooter to continue in freewheel mode.

During our test of the E110S, we were disappointed with the braking, which caused unpleasant vibrations in the handlebar. This was an unusual problem caused by a poorly screwed steering column, according to Segway. The E125S provided to us proved much more convincing, with strong braking and no parasitic reactions. The driver detection system, which cuts off the scooter when it no longer detects presence on the seat, left us somewhat skeptical. Not because it works poorly, but because its usefulness seems limited.

Range and Charging

The E125S is equipped with two removable batteries located under the floorboard. The hatch to access them is not secured by any hinge. A petty detail that complicates daily use. The first battery can be removed easily, the second with a bit more effort. It must be pulled out initially to be taken from the compartment.

Each weighing about ten kilos, the batteries of the E125S are neither heavier nor lighter than those of competing models. The charger provided by Segway is unimpressive; it makes an unpleasant hairdryer noise when plugged in. Also, it cannot charge both batteries simultaneously. If possible, it’s better to charge the scooter using the socket under the seat without removing the batteries.

Regarding range, Segway quotes 81 km. However, it’s wise to consider a lower figure to avoid surprises. During our test, which was conducted at a normal pace, the scooter estimated the remaining range at 6 km after a 67 km ride.

Price and Equipment

Two batteries, a powerful engine for a 50 cc, extensive equipment, and a fairly refined finish: the E125S positions itself as a high-end model, and this is inevitably reflected in the price. Selling at €3,890 (with a €100 bonus not deducted), Segway’s scooter isn’t exactly the most affordable in its category. It is even more expensive than the Niu MQi GT (€3,699), which also features 2 batteries and offers comparable power and range. Of course, there are even more expensive models (Red Electric E50, Super Soco CPX 50), but the core market is a step below in pricing.

Fortunately, the included equipment helps justify the price. In addition to the ABS and driver detection system mentioned earlier, the scooter comes standard with an alarm and remote control for remote locking. Segway has also developed a pleasant and very comprehensive app. Not only does it provide information about the scooter (location, charge level, etc.), but it also allows customization of many parameters (energy recovery intensity, alarm volume and sensitivity, sound and automatic turn indicators, etc). Access to all these features requires a subscription, which Segway offers free for the first two years.

Test Summary Segway
14/20

Easy to ride, lively, practical with its large storage compartment, the Segway E125S generally lives up to its promises. Its relatively high price for this category is partly justified by the presence of a second battery and an ABS system.

Although its noisy and somewhat impractical charger loses significant points, the Segway E125S deserves a solid mention. It will satisfy customers looking for a connected, versatile electric scooter.

Segway E125S Technical Sheet

Segway E125S Test Gallery

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