Segway Ninebot Max G30 is one of the most popular electric scooters to ever hit the e-scooter market, and it is definitely the most sold Segway Ninebot scooter to date. This beloved e-scooter is used by millions of people across the world daily and it comes with 2 different motors: generation 1 and 2. Whilst their latest addition to this series the Max G2 comes with a Gen 3/4 motor.
Why is that you may ask yourself?
Well, the Max G30 actually got its very first motor upgrade way back in 2020 so some units come with the old Gen 1 and some with the newer generation motor.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these four types of motors, provide some tips on how to identify which one you have on your electric scooter, and some other commonly asked questions. I’ve talked to owners, delved into my own experience with the scooter, as well as terrorizing the Segway Ninebot support to fill in any left-over gaps.
What’s the Difference Between the Different Generation Motors?
Gen 1 and Gen 2 motors for the Segway electric scooter G30 have some key differences in their performance, capabilities, and design. Here are some of the main differences between these two types of motors:
Torque: I’ve researched forums and talked to riders of the G30 and according to their feedback, Generation 1 motors have more torque but lower top-speed capabilities, while Generation 2 motors have the opposite, less torque but the ability to reach higher speeds.
Top Speed: While researching I got plenty of numbers and this is the median top speed of the motors. The older Gen 1 motors max out at around 18.6-20mph/30-35kmh, while newer Gen 2 motors can max out upwards of 21-22mph/35kmh-40kmh.
Remember that you will need to flash your Segway scooter with CFW(Custom Firmware) in order for you to unlock a higher than original speed.
Generation 3 and 4 come with the same performance enhancements as Gen 2 but they cannot be flashed with CFW as easily, the only working CFW for Gen 3/4 is with SHU(Scooter Hacking Utility’s Android app).
The only cosmetic difference between the Gen 1/2 and 3/4 is a very subtle difference in design and screw holder placement. The Gen 3/4 motors are to be found on the latest Segway Ninebot Max G2.
Identifying Which Motor your Segway Ninebot Max G30 has?
To identify which generation motor your Segway Max G30 has, you can check the side of the wheel for a QR code and a serial number. Here are some tips on how to identify your motor’s generation:
Serial Numbers:
- Motors beginning with a serial number of ‘5’ or ‘6’ are the older generation or “Gen 1”.
- “Gen 2” motors can be identified by having a serial number that begins with a ‘9’.
- If your serial number contains PCAH or PADH, you have a “Gen 3/4” motor.
There are some misconceptions out there that models with a “II” behind their model name would mean they come with a Gen 2 motor. This is false, this just refers to a cosmetic update in the scooter.
Can I Switch from a Generation 1 to a Generation 2 Motor?
Yes, it is possible to make the switch from the older Gen 1 to a newer Gen 2, or even 3/4. In all honesty, it is quite easy to change the motor on a Segway Max scooter. A few bolts and screws, disconnect a couple of wires and you’re all set up with a new motor.
All you have to do is buy yourself a new Gen 2 motor for around 200 bucks and follow our easy step-by-step guide on how to change your Segway Ninebot Max motor.
Conclusion
We’ve gone through the differences between all the different motors for the Max G30 and how to spot which generation motor your model has.
I hope you’ve found some value in this article. After all, I’ve spent days scouring the internet as well as my personal experience with the Max, on top of terrorizing my contacts on Segway Ninebot in order to fill in the gaps of information I found.
Now get out there and rip some tarmac together with your Segway Ninebot Max G30 and your newly acquired knowledge!
