Segway’s third-generation F-series scooters solidify their reign over the electric scooter “middle class.” With the Max G3 becoming somewhat of a low-end performance model, the F3 is here to take its place as their #1 commuter.
With a complete rebuild, some hefty power upgrades, and many new tweaks, it has gotten a huge bump in both performance and riding comfort. The Segway F3 offers a lot of value for the money and is definitely a scooter worth considering if you’re looking for something to tackle those daily commutes effectively.
Real-life Test Data
| Model | Segway Ninebot F3/F3 Pro |
|---|---|
| *Tested Speed | 20 mph / 34.4 km/h |
| *Tested Range | 17.1 miles / 27.5 km |
| **Acceleration | 5.4s |
| Weight | 42.3 lbs / 19.2kg |
| Load | 265 lbs / 120 kg |
| Motor Power | 450W(1000W) / 550W(1200W) |
| Battery | 477Wh/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 a standstill to 15.5 mph.
Differences Between The F3 and F3 Pro
The key difference between the standard F3 and the Pro version is that the Pro model comes with an upgraded motor and an additional rear disc brake. This upgrade gives the Pro model 550W of nominal and 1200W of peak power output, up from the F3’s 450W/1000W. However, the top speed remains unchanged at 20 mph.
Segway’s choice to upgrade the motor seems to focus mainly on providing more consistent performance, particularly when carrying heavier loads or when the scooter is used in very hilly areas. In layman’s terms, that means you get quicker acceleration and a bump from 20% to 24% in its hill-climbing capabilities.
With more power, Segway chose to include an extra rear disc brake—a welcome decision since, during our initial review, we noted that pre-adjusting the “out-of-the-box” front brake on the standard F3 they felt slightly on the weak side. These additions add barely any noticeable extra weight to the PRO version.
Segway F3-Series – Side-By-Side Comparison With Similarly Priced Scooters
PRO: 550W (1200W)
(*Tested real-life speed and range by Aridejunkie.com)
Detailed Review: Segway F3/F3 Pro
Motor Power and Speed
With the new F3 you get a trusty 450W nominal/1000W peak motor that runs on a 48 volt system, making it capable of powering the scooter up to 20 mph with ease. This is enough power to handle your everyday commuting needs with a consistent smile on your face.
We tested the scooter against the G3 (without Boost enabled) and it actually accelerated faster right off the mark but lost its initial advantage within 15-17 ft(5m) to the stronger Max G3 motor as it started to gain momentum. The Standard F3 was able to go from 0-15.5 mph in 5.4 seconds. That is 2.1 seconds faster than the 350W/36V E2 Pro’s 7.5s
To go from 0 to full 20 mph speed it took the scooter roughly 8.6 seconds.
Battery and Range
They are both equipped with the same 477Wh 48V(46.8V) battery. During our real life range test we were able to get a healthy 17.1 miles out of the scooter in its highest speed mode. The battery takes quite a while to fully recharge, up to 8 hrs.
A neat thing about Segway’s gen-3 scooters is that many of them have the ability to add an external battery to the bottom of the stem. This also being true for the F3 means that you can add an additional 460Wh of battery power, which means you can get double its normal operating range.
The following data-table show the different speed modes and Segway’s claimed speed/range for each mode. (We have calculated that according to our test in sports mode there is a 37% difference in advertised range and what you can expect during normal riding conditions including hills, starts and stops in a real-life setting.)
| MODE | TOP SPEED | MAX RANGE |
| WALK | 3 mph / 5 kmh | ? miles / ? km |
| ECO | 9 mph / 14.5 kmh | 44 miles / 71 km |
| DRIVE | 15 mph / 24 kmh | 32 miles / 51 km |
| SPORT | 20 mph / 32 kmh | 25 miles / 40 km |
Incline
With a bump in motor power the F3 has also received a welcoming increase in its hill-climbing abilities. Segway advertises a 20% incline capability, but according to our tests 15% is what the standard model handles effectively without too much power drop. While the Pro model can go slightly above that upwards 18%.
Powerful enough to handle most commuters’ everyday hill-climbing needs. However, for battery saving and motor longevity purposes I would recommend a few helpful kicks going up the steeper ones.
Suspension
This is where the new F3 really excels for a scooter in this price category. The previous F-series had a spring front suspension with no rear suspension, and it still made for a really good city ride. Now, with a hydraulic front suspension and a rear elastomer suspension, the ride quality has been enhanced to near perfection.
Both suspensions have good travel distance, making even the roughest roads on our test ride feel like smooth pavement.
Braking System
The scooter comes with a front disc brake that works in combination with the motors electric brake. It works well straight out of the box, but I did adjust them after riding it in for a few miles to get more effect out of the mechanical brake. As always with front brakes you will need to adjust your bodyweight to adapt for the braking. The F3 Pro is equipped with a dual disc brake system giving it far more braking power.
One thing I noted is that if you want to slightly adjust your speed you’re better off releasing the throttle to slow down instead of engaging the brakes as the electric brake, even set on low regeneration, is quite strong.
Ride Quality and Ride Experience
Overall the ride provides a fantastic riding experience. All the smaller tweaks added, from the off-axis alignment of the front wheel to the slightly curved handlebar, all work towards instilling the rider with more confidence and a much more comfortable, secure ride.
The only thing missing is the ability to shut off the parking mode and make it manual only. After a few seconds of standing still, you have to engage the brake or push with your feet before taking off again. This is perhaps a good safety feature for someone with very limited riding experience, but if you’re an experienced rider, you’ll feel that this is something you should be allowed to control.
Segway Ninebot GT3 Features
Folding and Portability
They are identical in design and are easily folded with a robust latch that attaches to the rear of the footpad. There is a secondary step to the folding process where you first have to open the latch and then press a button to get the stem to fully fold backwards and lock in. Once locked in it sits tight and feels very secure.
Due to the difference in motor spec as well as the additional disc brake, the Pro model weighs in at 42.5 lbs(19.3 kg), 1.5 lbs heavier than the standard models 41 lbs(18.6 kg). Anything below 45 lbs is considered to be quite portable and most people will have no issue getting it up a few flights of stairs if necessary.
Tires
The scooter is equipped with Segway’s standard 10-inch pneumatic self-sealing tires, the same type of tire that is used on the old G2. Proven and well-tested tires that provides excellent additional shock reduction while giving your scooter great traction no matter the surface or weather conditions.
Lights
You will find a dual headlight system consisting of a light bar on top with a high adjustable stronger headlight positioned underneath it. Giving you adequate light for night time fun. On top of this you can find tail lights on both ends of the handlebar that are activated using buttons with your left thumb, and a bright brake light.
I used the customizable button to set it to hazard lights, mainly to test. But I figured that for my countryside setting going on the side of a 40 mph road at night you may just wanna throw that on for some increased visibility.
Cockpit
The F3 series has a similar cockpit to the rest of the generation 3 Segway scooters. Everything is very well thought out and positioned within easy reach. The handlebar has been slightly adjusted to look and feel more like on a bicycle which makes the ride feel more steady. The brake lever works great and all the buttons are in great vicinity so you can flick the turn signals or use things like the customizable button with ease.
A nice feature with the F3 is that it has a multi-throttle, you can either use the common thumb throttle or you use the twist grip. Personally I like the thumb throttle, but the more I rode the more I found myself using the twist grip when I wanted to hold a steady speed over a long period of time. Since the throttle is a bit deep you can easily get thumb fatigue, and using the twist grip this way mitigated that issue completely. A smaller win is that you feel a bit cooler twisting to accelerate like you’re on a motorbike.
Build Quality
With identical design both scooters perform amazingly well. They feel very stable to ride, everything is within reach and they instil great confidence in their riders. The new positioning of the front wheel and upgraded suspension system in combination with the slightly sloped step and curved handlebar make it feel very sturdy. No shakiness or rattling noises whatsoever. Everything you’ve come to expect when you buy a model from the #1 retailer of electric scooters.
You get a lot more foot space than the series previous models, and although I would’ve gone for a rear lip to place my foot on, it does have a sloped footpad in the rear providing a comfortable riding posture.
Safety aspect
The F3 models have everything we’ve come to expect from Segway in terms of safety. The only issue I have is with the already stated park mode, but apart from that all their new features and upgrades makes for a much safer and more confident inspiring scooter.
My shortlist of favorite safety features on the F3:
- Navigation system – Easy to use and you don’t have to mess with your phone mid-ride
- Traction Control – Keeps you riding safely even if the weather is against you
- Rear View Mirrors – Add-on that enhances safety and lets you keep tabs on what’s behind you
- Realigned Front Tire – Eliminates chances of wobble completely
- Locking Mechanisms – Set a personal code, lock with your phone, or use airlock
- Locking Ring – A great addition that makes it easy to secure your scooter in place
Segway Ninebot GT3 Review Conclusion
Both versions of the Segway F-series performed remarkably well during our entire hands-on testing process. It handles hills better than its predecessor, has far superior comfort and delivers a much superior ride overall. All well balanced where the goal is clear, to instill its rider with confidence and provide a great commute that covers the needs of your everyday rider.
Tons of new neat features and small upgrades make it stand out from the crowd and I stand by my comment that the F3-series has taken over where the Max left off. Crowning it the middle class king of commuter scooters for a price that isn’t outrageous.
If you’re on a budget and want something more affordable at the cost of a little performance, then I would recommend you take a look at our review of the E3-Series, Segway’s priceworthy beginner/budget commuter scooters.
Segway F3/F3 Pro Technical Specification
| Model | F3 | F3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 42.3 lbs / 19.2 kg | 42.5 lbs / 19.5kg |
| Size | 45.4 × 23.2 × 49.7 inch | 45.4 × 23.2 × 49.7 inch |
| Size folded | 45.4 × 23.2 × 24.1 inch | 45.4 × 23.2 × 24.1 inch |
| Motor power, Nominal(Max) | 450W (1000W) | 550W (1200W) |
| Top speed | 20 mph / 32 kmh | 20 mph / 32 kmh |
| Range | 44 miles / 70 km | 44 miles / 70 km |
| Battery capacity | 477Wh / 48V | 477Wh / 48V |
| Battery recharge time | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Max load | 265 lbs / 120 kg | 265 lbs / 120 kg |
| Brake | Disc + Electric | Dual Disc + Electric |
| Tire | 10 inch pneumatic | 10 inch pneumatic |
| Built-in lights | 2x Front, Rear, Turn Signal | 2x Front, Rear, Turn Signal |
| Water resistance | IPX6, (IPX7 battery) | IPX6, (IPX7 battery) |
