Segway Scooters

The x2 SE vs. i2 SE

SE is short for “second edition”, which is exactly what these PTs are: upgraded transportation. We won’t go into how they are updated, second edition versions. No, what we’re going to talk about now is the various differences between the x2 SE and i2 SE.

Let’s get to it: the fundamental difference between these two machines is their primary function. The i2 SE is a road-only, flat surface PT. The x2 SE, by stark contrast, is fit for rough terrain – as an off-road PT. This means the i2 SE is not for you if you intend to ride grassy fields, hiking paths, or bark-dense forestry and gravel, etc. However, the terrain I’ve described is perfect for the x2 SE, because this is the terrain it was specifically manufactured to conquer. (Although the x2 SE can ride on flat surfaces, no problem.)

Worth remembering, however, is that while the i2 SE can ride over “miniature” off-road terrain (such as grassy fields and small amounts of environmental debris)… it would have an extraordinary struggle maneuvering efficiently in a forest or bike/hiking path – whereas the x2 SE would flourish.

Weight

There’s a remarkable, drastic difference in the total weight between these three vehicles. For example, the i2 SE (which is the paved-only version, remember) weighs a whopping 105 lbs. (47 kgs.). On the other end of the scale, the x2 is a staggering 120 lbs (55 kgs.).

These devices are so heavy only when they are fully assembled. Both versions’ leanSteer frames can be detached from the “base” (via screws and bolts) and removed. This makes both the x2 and i2 perfect for packing in the back of hatchback trunks, SUVs, or pick-up trucks.

By contrast, the Segway miniPRO seems… well… mini. It is only about 28 lbs. (~13 kgs.) which is very easy to tell that due to the lack of such large tires and a minimally-small engine (compared to its hunkier, larger cousins). The drastic weight difference, when comparing the sheer size of all 3 machines, is not so hard to comprehend.

Speed and Distance

When it comes to total speed, the Segway PTs share something in common: 12.5 mph (20 km/h). These vehicles are fast, and they feel even faster once you push it to the limit and make these things really go. Know, though, that Segway always keeps the safety of their riders and customers in mind. That’s why these devices have a safety mechanism that automatically slows you down (on its own) when you reach top speeds – by pushing “against” you, backwards, while you’re riding. Eventually, if you don’t slow down on your own, the PTs will. This is designed to keep people within safe speeds and prevent accidents, collisions and unfortunate events from happening.

For comparison’s sake, the miniPRO is 10 mph (16 km/h) and, although the number is lower… it’s only lower by measly degrees. The miniPRO is fast for a Hoverboard – considering that some of the only Hoverboards that reach these speeds are off-road ones, such as the Halo Rover and EPIKGO. (And they’re hundreds of dollars more expensive.)

Because of it’s relatively light weight and slower speed limit, the miniPRO can take you farther (on a single battery charge) than one of its Segway relatives. Whereas the x2 SE can take you up to a total of 12 miles (19 km) in one continuous, non-stop riding session – the miniPRO can take you a staggering 14 miles (22 km). Why this is staggering is because the miniPRO is a Hoverboard, which typically travel a total distance of 10-13 miles (when they’re flat-surface only, which the miniPRO is). The i2 SE, on the other hand, blows these distances out of the water by taking you a “scary” total distance of 16-24 miles (25-38 km)

Price

Segway is a household name, and a premium-quality brand who has dominated the self-balancing electric vehicle market since its inception in 2004. Given this, it’s no surprise that the price tags of some of their products are (at first glance) excessively high. It’s only until you realise the life maxim: “You get what you pay for” that the high prices of Segway products make sense. It’s not until you actually step on a Segway product that you realise only “bargain-bin hunters” would raise their noses at the prices.

Ready?

Let’s warm up with the lowest-priced item: the miniPRO. On Amazon.com its sale price is $499.99. This is a tremendous deal, if you ask me, considering that it’s max speeds and max distance and safety features rival those of more expensive, off-road Hoverboards. (Remember, the miniPRO is on-road.)

Next we have the Segway i2 SE PT. This pretty thing will set you back $5,000. This price I can sort of understand – but keep in mind that police fleets use Segway products, and I’m wondering if Segway hiked up the price as a result of market demand.

$5,000 is nothing, though, when you learn that the Segway x2 SE PT is nearly $7,000. This machine is expensive, it is high-quality, and personally I feel like it’s the Rolls Royce of PTs in the self-balancing electric vehicle market.

Conclusion

And there we have it: three quality products from a trusted brand that’s been a household name since 2004. Whether you have the money to buy a Segway or not, let it be known that you will seriously have a ton of fun on any one of these products.

Don’t Miss Out the Following Self-Balancing Electric Vehicles As Well:

• Halo Rover
• Epikgo Hoverboard
• TOMOLOO Hoverboard

How Fast Is Too Fast?

There’s no doubt about it, these things are fun – pure and simple. However, it’s worth talking about the max. speed of the Segway x2 SE. At 12.5 mph (20 km/h), you certainly don’t think it’s a fast vehicle… but trust me, once you climb on this thing an take it for a joyride… you’ll see just how more-than-zoom-speed 12.5 mph actually is. In fact, it’s easy to see (on YouTube) one of the biggest reasons most people “failed” on Segways (and Segway Clones) is because they went too fast. It’s easy to see that a large amount of people feel “unsafe” the first few times they mount a Segway – hence the familiar, unpredictable “penguin wobble” many riders experience when they climb aboard.

However, it’s worth knowing that Segway has “speed freaks” in mind, or people who accidentally go too fast. The x2 SE was designed with a safety feature – when you reach top speeds or go too fast, you’ll feel some “resistance” from the leanSteer frame. This “push back” is the machine telling you that it’s time to slow down.

Plus, depending on how fast you actually intend to go, you can expect to travel up to 12 miles (19 km) in one continuous riding session. If you’re concerned about your weight, know that the Segway is 120 lbs. (55 kgs.) This means that it can carry heavier-set people (such as myself at 180 lbs.) with relative ease. In fact, the x2 SE can carry up to 270 lbs. (122 kgs.)

Taking It For a Spin

True, Segways do take a minimal “adjustment” to get used to. Thankfully, the learning curve isn’t as steep as it is with Hoverboards and other self-balancing scooters. This is because the riding mechanics are simple (and become intuitive over time): to go forward, all you have to do is merely lean forwards. To stop, lean backwards – and lean backwards some more to move… well… backwards.

And while the primary use of the Segway x2 SE PT was designed for off-road, you can use it on flat-terrain as well (such as sidewalks and paved pathways) on your stroll to a nearby store or local park. However, you’ll get the most use out of this monster when you take it off-road.

How Does It Work?

In the form of wheels, motors, and a series of angular-rate and tilt sensors, the Segway x2 monitor (in fractions of a millisecond) balancing levels to “feel” when and if you’re about to tip over. When a lot of people talk about the Segway being a machine, they are being very literal – as there are 10 micro-processors in the “motherboard.”

With Your Security In Mind

What’s incredibly thoughtful about the x2 SE is the fact that, the “InfoKey” (which sits on top of the leanSteer frame in front of you) is a device that controls and monitors the time, date, battery life, etc. Segway has a penchant for keeping the security of riders in mind. This is no different in the x2. When you’re finished riding the x2 (for whatever reason – whether it’s to stop and smell the roses, park it, charge it while you go into a shop, etc.), simply remove the InfoKey; it can be used as an alarm. While you’re away from your vehicle and someone tries to grab it, the InfoKey “locks” the vehicle preventing them from doing so. How? By beeping (as an alarm would) when someone tries taking the Segway, as well as locking the wheels, preventing the would-be thief from “hacking” the Segway and riding off into the distance.

A Fresh Look

The Segway x2 SE PT comes in two models: the “standard” model and the Adventure model. While the specs and mechanics of the two models are similar, it’s their colour (and usage intentions) that truly separate them. Here’s why: the Adventure model is patterned after “Mossy Oak Break Up Infinity” camouflage. This makes it the ideal choice for nature lovers or park enthusiasts who want to blend into the forest and environment, without the hassle of traveling on foot.

What’s It Going to Cost?

As of this writing: ~$7,000.00. Yes, the Segway x2 SE is very expensive, and not for the faint-hearted or “weekend warrior” who takes this thing out a few times and then stores it in the garage. Segways, their clones, Hoverboards, electric scooters, etc. are all serious investments that require proper research to ensure you find the vehicle that’s right for you or your family.

However, personally speaking, whenever you take a Segway x2 SE for a test spin joyride and spend more than a few hours on it… You will understand the hefty price-tag. Being able to easily travel through brush-dense forests and rough-terrain environments, an almost intuitive balancing focus, and ease of mobility make it (in my opinion) worth the several thousand dollars.

Conclusion

Plus, it looks awesome. Let’s be honest: When Segway launched in the dinosaur age of tech (2004), their products looked like it was specifically for tech geeks and nerds. A lot’s changed in the past decade, however, and the x2 SE proves that: the thing looks like a serious force to be reckoned with, and will definitely help you turn heads when you’re out and about. (Plus, it’ll show people that you have money and are doing well in life – and who doesn’t enjoy showing off a little bit?)

Also Checkout the Reviews of Other Self-Balancing Electric Vehicles:

• Segway miniPRO
• Segway i2 SE
• Street Saw RockSaw Hoverboard

(The tests are voluntary, too. Any manufacturing company that submits their products to Underwriters Laboratories for testing shows obvious signs of caring about the safety of their customers. Any company who values the lives of their customers is worth supporting.)

Segway, however, has become a staple of safety and high-quality around the world. What separates the Segway miniPRO from industry-standard Hoverboards (indeed, even Segway’s own Hoverboards) is that the miniPRO’s foot platform feels substantially safer. You’re simply able to get “better” footing than traditional Hoverboards provide. A stark contrast is the classic Segway’s waist-high (sometimes chest-high when it came to shorter people such as myself) handlebars were shrunken down to knee height (or waist-high for the shorter people). This steering bar makes riding Segway’s segways more fun this time around.

The steering bar also makes control less of an issue – since it’s literally a handlebar. As opposed to Hoverboards, which take quite a bit of motor memory skills to ride properly (and safely), the Segway miniPRO’s learning curve takes virtually no time at all to “master.” You simply hold onto the bar and lean left or right to turn. (Remember Razor’s foot scooters? The same steering mechanism applies.) (Plus, the bar is knee-padded to protect your legs from accidental impacts.) This bar makes it more easily controllable than Hoverboards and electric scooters (which rely on foot-placement instead of leaning).

Whereas previous Segways carried a maximum of 260 lbs. (~118 kgs.), the Segway miniPRO carries up to a reduced amount of 220 lbs. (100 kgs.) Even though it carries a whopping 220 lbs. (and is rather “large”), it’s worth knowing that—even with the 800W motor (which makes it easy for the miniPRO to roll over slight humps and semi-steep slopes)—the device can be easily stored in a car trunk without hassle.

A mistake many people have made was using the handlebar to steady themselves as they mounted the Segway miniPRO. Why is this a mistake? Because, when the Segway miniPRO is powered on – so is the steering bar. When pressure is applied to the bar, the Segway turns in that direction. Meaning, quite simply, that using the steering bar to get on… while the Segway is on… you’ll be sent for a ride and a fun fling off to the side. Therefore, it’s important to mount the Segway then power it on. (Or, alternatively, carefully step on one of the pads and then wait for a distinctive beep. Once you hear this beep, it’s safe for you to lift your other foot onto the other pad.)

It’s worth knowing that, when you take this thing out for a ride – it won’t go any faster than 4 mph (~6 km/h) for the first kilometre (~0.62 miles). However, it’s top speed is a whopping 10 mph (16 km/h) – which is considerably fast when it comes to Segways and Hoverboards. However, it’s virtually impossible to reach these (admittedly dangerous) speeds as the device is designed to slow down, by ever so discreetly leaning backwards, thereby preventing any accidental injuries from happening. In addition to automatically slowing down, the device also distinctly beeps and notifies you (via the LED screen situated in the middle, in front of you) that you’re going “too fast”. While this automatic override may be a downer for speed freaks, it’s a vital safety mechanism for any children who may have a tendency for fast, dangerous speeds.

What’s undeniably cool is that the device can be controlled via Bluetooth. This is thanks to the Segway miniPRO app (iOS and Android), which lets you monitor your speed and levels of your battery. However, a major (admittedly annoying) feature is the safety instructions which you have to sit through each time you use the app – literally, every single time. However, what this app means for you is that you can steer the miniPRO as you’re riding it, using your Smartphone. (As well as the typical awesome-factor that comes from blaring your personal tunes via the Bluetooth speakers.)

However, controlling the miniPRO via Bluetooth reduces response levels dramatically – in the case of braking, it’s liable to cause accidents as there is a “lag” in controls. If you don’t mind this issue, you can expect to have a 50 ft. (15 m) distance between you and the Segway before controls get “wonky.”

The “remote control” issues aren’t a problem for me, personally, as I love manually steering. What brings the miniPRO back into the “plusses” is the fact that—on a single battery charge—you can travel up to 14 miles (22 km). 14 miles is nothing to sneeze at or joke about: that is a far distance to travel on one single charge.

Another aspect where the miniPRO shines is its customisable LED taillights. While implementing LED headlights and taillights (to make riders more visible at night) has become standard practice in this market, not a lot of manufacturers installed customisable tail-lights which can be fully changed to suit your riding style.

However, the Segway miniPRO will seriously set you back: $999. If this price is no problem for you, consider the miniPRO one the most fun investment you’ll make this year. (Or just a seriously-wicked weekend toy.)

Right off the bat: the machine itself is an upgrade. “SE” stands for “second edition.” One major difference you’ll notice right away between the I2 SE and first model is the console, which “sits” between the foot platforms. On the SE, this console is lowered (making it look a lot more slick and upgraded). This is to make your feet less likely to “catch” on the console, putting your safety in jeopardy – the way the original i2 did. Lowering the console like this simply makes mounting and dismounting the PT easier.

At the base of the leanSteer frame, the handle attaches to the bottom of the machine, making disassembly much easier (via two screws). This means more convienence for you to put into the back of your pickup truck or SUV. (While disassembled, the PT can fit in the back of most modern hatch-backs but is simply too big for regular car trunks.)

Despite this leanSteer-disassembling ease, the i2 SE weighs a whopping 105 lbs. (47 kgs.) Put simply, this machine is a monster and should never be lifted by you if you can’t lift that much. It’s also worth noting that, while there is an LED light on both the front and back of the i2 SE, these do not help you see at night – as they are not proper headlights or taillights. These were installed so oncoming traffic can see you, thereby increasing your visibility. However, a mountable headlight can be easily purchased (in any major home hardware store) and attached to the i2 SE.

For the uninitiated (or those who never personally rode a Segway PT before), the driving mechanics are simple. To go forward, all you have to do is lean forward. When you want to stop, merely lean backward. To steer (while you’re in motion) left or right, simply lean left or right—with the bar—to turn it. Whichever way you lean, sensors in the machine “tell” the motherboard (similar to MOBOs inside personal computers) to lean in that direction. The i2 SE comes with dual 1500W brushless motors (one to each wheel), making steering easily able to take you wherever you want to go – like Meg Ryan’s home, for example.

As you can naturally see, the i2 SE PT’s wheels are huge. (The device is massive in and of itself.) This means you can ride over bumpy, grassy, or rocky terrain with relative ease, without worrying about damaging the product or hurting yourself. Part of the reason for this is due to the five balancing sensors in the device itself – all of them connected to do all the balancing for you.

In the event that any component inside the i2 SE fails, the device will immediately stop and shut down. Segway designed this system as a safety device for riders. Another safety feature (in the event of a component failure) is a loud, obnoxious beeping alarm that lasts for 10 seconds, alerting you to get off the Segway.

The Segway i2 SE runs on a single Saphion lithium-ion battery. (Lithium-ion has become the industry-standard form of battery for most self-balancing scooters and Hoverboards.) On a single battery charge, you can expect to travel a total of 16-24 miles (25-38 km). This is a phenomenally-long distance – it could take me from the nearest town directly to my apartment (17km away), making it convenient for travelling and even grocery shopping or visiting friends.

It’s worth noting that the total distance travelled depends on your riding style (are you slow or fast?) and terrain – do you prefer grassy hills and rocky paths or smooth-paved sailing? Even more remarkable is the fact that the PT can reach nearly 12 ½ miles an hour (~20 km/h). This machine is downright fast – especially when you’re riding it.

Segway has the prestigious honour of being the world’s original self-balancing scooter brand – and with good reason. Segway has been in business since 2004 (13 whopping years) and is surely a household name, and has a name synonymous with quality. That said, one of the major downsides of the i2 SE is its price-tag. If you have $5,000 to spend, this Segway PT is an absolutely terrific investment. For the rest of us, though, owning one remains a mere dream.

However, the $5,000 sale price isn’t high-ticket for no reason. As is the case with most things in life, you get what you pay for – and the Segway i2 SE personal transporter is no different. Segway is not trying to rip customers off with the high price, nor are they a greedy corporation. Once you step on the machine, it’s easy to justify the high price tag (and frankly, amazing that it isn’t higher). Unless, of course, you’re used to paying for cheap machines and “bargain-bin” items. Segway is a premium brand name that releases premium-quality products, and their premium prices reflect that.

Here are Some More Segway Scooters You Can Try:

• Segway miniPRO
• Segway x2 SE Scooter