Segway E110S Test: A Convincing 50cc Electric?

€2,399 for an electric scooter, it’s very reasonable, but does the Segway E110S impose too many sacrifices?

The era when the name Segway was systematically associated with the hoverboard is indeed over. The company has abandoned its early loves to focus on the electric scooter market, where it is seeing real success. It has also dipped its toes into the world of electric two-wheelers, with a range of small scooters equivalent to 50 cc models sold in France for several months now.

The Segway E110S we are testing today positions itself as the intermediate model of the range, between the friendly but rudimentary B110S and the wrongly named E125S which, despite its name, remains an equivalent of 50 cc.

Style & Practical Aspects of the E110 S

In terms of style, the E110S clearly aims to appeal to the widest audience. The optional top case adds weight to a silhouette that is otherwise quite balanced. The color screen on the dashboard is surrounded by two luminous parentheses that change colors. They are blue when the scooter is in motion, green during energy recovery phases while braking, and orange when the scooter is locked.

At the handlebar, we appreciate the simplicity of use of the scooter, with controls in the right place and turn signals that deactivate automatically. The large seat, 77 mm from the ground, and the flat floorboard also allow you to quickly find a comfortable riding position.

Since the battery is located under the floor, Segway was able to keep a storage compartment under the seat. It is large enough to hold a helmet. This is a real plus for an electric scooter. The E110S also has a small storage pocket in the front apron, as well as a USB port just above it. The brand has not neglected practical aspects.

Riding the Segway Electric Scooter

Powered by a QS Motor of 1.5 kW, the Segway E110S is not very powerful, even for an equivalent of 50 cc. So, it won’t be your ideal choice for quick starts at traffic lights. Accelerations are decent… as long as you fully charge the battery! Because below a certain threshold, performance seriously deteriorates, to the point where you have to adapt your riding style. You ride slower and take your time to enjoy the comfort of the E110S, which smooths out the asphalt’s roughness pretty well.

As stated in the technical sheet, the Segway E110S can reach up to 45 km/h, but this is a speedometer reading, and the actual top speed is a few km/h lower. During our test, we were easily overtaken by a Niu N1S Civic, also rated at 45 km/h. To be fair, the Niu is more powerful… and also more expensive.

The limited power initially made us fear the worst on climbs, but the E110S managed to maintain a sufficient speed in most cases. If you often ride on steep inclines, make sure the scooter has enough power before considering a purchase.

Thanks to its small size, the Segway E110S is easy to handle and effortlessly slips between cars. Regarding braking, we noticed a strange phenomenon on our test model. As soon as we pressed the front brake lever, a pronounced vibration traveled through the entire handlebars. It’s hard to judge the system’s effectiveness under these conditions. According to Segway, the explanation is related to the steering column, which was poorly screwed onto our scooter.

The E110S is equipped with a safety system that cuts off acceleration when the rider’s backside no longer touches the seat. It’s not strictly necessary, but it can be helpful in case of a fall. However, it somewhat hampers maneuvering in very tight spaces. In such situations, it’s sometimes necessary to slightly stand up to lean the scooter and pass the side mirror under the car’s mirror nearby. With the E110S, that’s not possible.

Range and Charging of the Segway E110 S

The E110S is officially rated for a range of 40 km. Our test showed this figure is accurate. Starting with a fully charged battery, we finished at around 20% after traveling 32 km. As for charging time, expect about 5 hours for a full recharge.

Most likely aiming to save costs, Segway did not install hinges on the floor hatch. You have to remove it completely to access the battery. It is unlocked via a small latch located in the trunk. Pulling it slightly lifts the hatch, but not enough to easily grip it. Overall, less practical!

The charger, relatively bulky, is also very noisy. As soon as charging begins, a fan kicks in, even though the system has not yet warmed up. Usually, this issue affects chargers designed for larger batteries and appears after some time. The only way to fix it is to put the charger in an isolated room or connect the scooter outside, using the seat storage port.

Price & Equipment of the Segway E110 S

Price is the main selling point of the Segway E110S. Priced at €2,399 (no €100 bonus deducted), it is one of the most affordable electric scooters on the market. It also comes well equipped, with a standard alarm and hands-free start system. The list includes automatic-return turn signals, a USB port, and the color display mentioned earlier. Such a competitive price-to-equipment ratio allows us to judge the flaws more leniently.

Our Review of the Segway E110S Test: 12 / 20

The Segway E110S showed us that it can sometimes be a bit underpowered to keep up with Parisian traffic. It definitely does not like major urban arteries, where people often ride over the legal 50 km/h. Additionally, the noisy charger can be a problem for those living in small apartments.

However, if performance is a secondary concern for you and urban life issues are not relevant, the Segway E110S can be an interesting option. For example, it could satisfy a campervan owner looking for a secondary vehicle for short trips during holidays.

Read also: Test MQi GT Evo: Does the most powerful Niu deliver on its promises?

Segway E110S Test Gallery

Technical Sheet Segway E110S