Segway recently showcased their 3rd generation of electric scooters at CES 2025 and one of these models has already hit the market, the Segway Ninebot GT3. Although being the third scooter in the GT-series, also known as Segway’s “SuperScooters”, the GT3 isn’t really comparable to its predecessor the GT1 and 2. No, for that we will have to wait for the GT3 PRO version which at least on paper looks far more impressive.
The GT3 is a slimmer, less powerful, but slightly cheaper addition to the GT-series and even so it still upholds the handling, riding comfort, performance and features that we expect from a Segway scooter.
At first glance I could instantly tell that the design is very similar to the ST1/ST2 models that they announced at last year’s CES 2024 for release later that year. There has yet been any official comments about this, but to the trained eye the size, frame, and cockpit is, if not completely, partly the same.
If we look past the lowered performance and less robust frame, it does provide you with all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from a newly released Segway electric scooter.
But the real question is; Is this somewhat strange addition to the GT series really worth $1,599?
In our review of the GT3 we’ll have a look at its inner workings, check out the latest test ride results and try to figure out who this scooter was really intended for.
Real-life Test Data
| Model | Segway Ninebot GT3 |
|---|---|
| Tested Speed | 31.1 mph / 50 kmh |
| Tested Range | 23.7 miles / 38.1 km |
| Acceleration | 9.3s |
| Weight | 87.1 lbs / 39.5 kg |
| Load | 330 lbs / 150 kg |
| Motor Power | 1200W(2400W) |
| Battery | 899Wh/48V |
*Our own testing data gathered during hands-on testing, not to be conflated with the manufacturer’s specifics.
**The time(in seconds) it took to go from standstill to 30 mph.
Segway GT3 Side-By-Side Comparison With Similarly Priced Scooters
Detailed Review: Segway GT3
Motor Power and Speed
The GT3 comes with a rear mounted hub motor of 1200W nominal power which peaks at 2400W. It was able to reach a maximum tested speed of 31.1 mph with a 165 lbs(75kg) test rider. Aligning perfectly with the 30-35 mph we expect to see in a scooter at this price range.
In terms of acceleration I would argue it is a bit slow, or smooth if you want to call it that. Clocking in with 9.3 seconds to reach 30 mph from a standstill.
Eco mode acceleration is very smooth, and would fit perfectly for inner city riding as it tops out at about 15 mph. In sport mode acceleration still feels a little bit sluggish but it does reach 31 mph within an acceptable time.
When you push in race mode acceleration starts to feel a lot better. It is still nothing groundbreaking but comparing it to similar scooters it feels quick.
Once you enable the boost feature you do feel a change, albeit nothing huge. You feel that there is slightly more torque but still getting up that last 1 mph from 30 to 31 mph takes its time so it really is peaking out at that speed.
Battery and Range
Under the hood we find a 48V 899Wh battery pack, combined with a so-called “Turbo Charger” delivering a 1.3ampere charge which in my opinion is nowhere near a turbo charge. But that isn’t really needed either as the battery isn’t huge and you achieve a full charged within a mere 5.5 hours.
Despite the quite small battery, thanks to Segway’s SegRange technology we still saw a respectable real-life range of 23.7 miles(38.1 km) while riding very aggressively in the highest speed mode with the boosting feature enabled as often as possible.
The GT3 also gives you the ability to adjust maximum charge between 80-100%. I can’t highlight this enough: if you do not need to go those few extra miles, set it at 80%. It will greatly increase the lifespan of the battery.
The following table show the different speed modes and Segway’s claimed speed/range for each:
| MODE | TOP SPEED | MAX RANGE |
| WALK | 3 mph / 5 kmh | ? miles / ? km |
| ECO | 15.5 mph / 16 kmh | 45 miles / 72 km |
| SPORT | 25 mph / 40 kmh | 25 miles / 40 km |
| RACE | 31 mph / 50 kmh | 25 miles / 40 km |
| BOOST | Acceleration increase | Torque increase |
Incline
When it comes to hills the 1200W motor does a great job. At our normal hill test it chugs along at 25 mph which feels like barely slowing down.
For our performance hill test, scooters in this price range rarely do well. But the GT3 did get up the steep long hill, even if it didn’t do so at a very high speed it is definitely acceptable performance for a scooter in this price range.
Suspension
In the front we have a twin tube hydraulic suspension system that did a great job providing excellent suspension and steering capabilities even at top speeds. In the rear we find a hydraulic suspension trailing arm which is a bit stiffer than the front suspension making you feel those curb jumps. But the goal is to keep good traction and make sure that the rear mounted motor doesn’t spin out and it works out flawlessly.
Overall the system was able to provide a very pleasant and comfortable riding experience on all sorts of terrain.
Braking System
When you’re in need of stopping power the two hydraulic disc brake systems did not disappoint. There are no complaints whatsoever, and the lever action felt very good. Combined with this you do have the regenerative motor brakes, which as with all newer Segway models are completely customizable to your liking. You can choose between off, weak or standard. For our test we let it stay in standard and for any planned brakes you can fully utilize those to get to a full stop without even having to engage the mechanical brakes helping extend that range slightly.
Ride Quality and Ride Experience
The GT3 feels very stable at top speed, but due to its lower weight it doesn’t quite reach the same level as the GT1/2. Its lighter body does however make the GT3 an easier scooter to work with and it still handles itself like a high-end Segway.
It has a nicely sized deck and the frame feels like it is one piece and very sturdy. It handles bumps and various uneven terrain with ease both at low and high speed.
The brakes are very smooth with great responsiveness and lever action. It had no problem passing our emergency brake test with an above average result for the price range.
Overall you feel very secure on this thing no matter if you’re going full speed or just cruising around the city and every button is within comfortable reach.
Segway Ninebot GT3 Features
Folding and Portability
The GT-series is definitely not famous for its portability, but this is one area where the less bulky body of the GT3 makes it reign supreme. Weighing in at 87 lbs, it is 18 pounds lighter than its predecessor.
The handlebars folding mechanism is very simple to use: push down the red button present on the side, release the latch and fold it down. It feels very sturdy and there is no play within the mechanism.
The only improvement I would like to see here is to make the handlebar latch on to the rear. This would reduce risk of it swinging around during transportation. Then again, you’re not going to be lifting this thing holding the stem so it is not a big dealbreaker.
Tires
It comes equipped with what Segway calls 11” ultra-wide tires. Which feels like a bit of a marketing ploy as I think a 3.15 inch width is something one should expect on a scooter of this caliber. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that they handled themselves perfectly on all our terrain tests like gravel, dirt, grass and asphalt. They also come with what now seems to be the industry standard, self-sealing feature.
Lights
The lighting system on this thing is amazing. Not only is it highly customizable and has all the various safety aspects covered. It is perfect for night time riding. You can adjust the headlight with regular and high beam (even auto-functions are available). The turn signals are very bright and well positioned, and the rear brake light can be customized to either light up brighter like on a car, or flash to warn others about you slowing down efficiently.
Cockpit
For speed adjustment the GT3 uses a twist grip throttle with nice action and little to no play.
The display is a center mounted 2.4” color display that indicates all sorts of information to its rider as you can see below on the image.
The only downside to this display is that I felt that they’ve set the brightness too low, making it very hard to read in direct sunlight.
The overall cockpit layout is very intuitive and looks just like the one you find on the ST-series scooters. You can tell they’ve spent some time thinking this design through as everything is within comfortable reach.
Build Quality
The scooter definitely upholds the quality we’ve come to expect from a Segway built scooter. Even if the scooter feels less complex in comparison to the earlier GT models it still keeps that one-piece sturdy feel.
Safety aspect
With its robust build, quality suspension and high-performative brakes you feel very secure chugging along at the 31 mph top speed of the GT3. There is good space for your feet, a rear footpad for a more secure riding stance and it of course comes with a ton of different safety enhancing features usually only found on a Segway scooter.
For you to easily digest it all I’ve made this list on my favorite safety features of the Segway Ninebot GT3:
- Customization – Almost everything can be customized to fit each individual rider
- Traction Control – Keeps you riding safely even if the roads are slippery
- Fantastic Light System – All the lights you need and a few neat features on top of those
- Various Locking Mechanism – Have a digital lock, phone unlock, or pattern lock to secure your scooter in place
- Abnormality Alert – Alerts the rider upon the sensors sensing anything that is behaving out of the ordinary
Segway Ninebot GT3 Review Conclusion
In my eyes the GT3 is the ST1 that was set to launch late 2024, of course with some nice new upgrades. They’ve used the battery from the ST2 which a lot of Segway fanatics (myself included) complained had a way under dimensioned battery for its motors.
I would stretch it thus far, and say that this is at best a budget/mini GT1, but then again with the price cuts on the GT1 these scooters are very closely priced today. I can’t really call this an upgrade to the GT series as it has nothing to offer that the GT1 doesn’t do better.
I must admit I have a really hard time understanding who Segway created this scooter for, it performs well but is mediocre at best with its current launch price. If you throw on a few hundred bucks you could be getting a real monster in terms of performance, or at the very least you could stick within the Segway brand and get the GT1.
Ride-wise the scooter does perform amazingly well and it is a lot of fun to ride, but at its current launch price of $1,500 I have a really hard time justifying this purchase over the competition. This will be an even harder sell if it turns out that the Segway Max G3 comes in at sub-$1,000.
Segway GT3 Technical Specification
| Weight | 87.1 lbs / 39.5 kg |
| Size | 53.5 × 26.2 × 54.6 inch |
| Size folded | 49 × 25.1 × 27.8 inch |
| Motor power, Nominal(Max) | 1200W (2400W) |
| Top speed | 31 mph / 50 kmh |
| Range | 45 miles / 73.4 km |
| Battery capacity | 899Wh/48V |
| Battery recharge time | 5.5 hrs |
| Max load | 330 lbs / 150 kg |
| Brake | Dual Hydraulic Disc |
| Tire | 11 inch Pneumatic |
| Built-in lights | Front, Rear, Turn Signal |
| Water resistance | IPX6 |
