MWC 2023 was an opportunity for Xiaomi on the one hand, and Segway-Ninebot on the other, to launch a major offensive in the field of high-end electric scooters. The Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra and the Segway-Ninebot Max G2 are perfect rivals, both in price and technical specifications. Here’s a little theoretical comparison.
If the smartphone is obviously the usual star of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) -although this 2023 edition gives a privileged place to augmented reality glasses-, urban mobility also has its voice at the Barcelona show. Among the key players that can be counted on are Xiaomi and Segway-Ninebot.
This year, each of them presented a new high-end electric scooter: the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra on the one hand, the first Ultra version of the Chinese manufacturer, and the Segway-Ninebot Max G2 on the other, presented by the manufacturer. as successor to the Max G30 II.
These two full suspension models go together in many ways when it comes to their spec sheet. But on closer inspection, some small differences remain. Therefore, we will compare their different features theoretically here, pending a full test.
Technical sheets
| Characteristics | Xiaomi 4 Ultra Scooter | Segway Ninebot Max G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1200 x 550 x 1260mm | 1210 x 570 x 1264mm |
| Weight | 25kg | 24.3kg |
| tires | 10 inches | 10 inches |
| front and rear suspension | Yeah | Yeah |
| fares | 2.5W | 2.1W |
| blinkers | No | Yeah |
| Certification | IP55 | IPX5 and IPX7 |
| rated power | 500W | 450W |
| Maximum power | 940W | 900W |
| climb angle | 25% | 22% |
| Theoretical autonomy | 70 km | 70 km |
| Brakes | Drum in the front, electronics in the rear. | Drum in the front, electronics in the rear. |
| connectivity | bluetooth | Bluetooth, Find my d’Apple |
| traction control system | No | Yeah |
| price | €999 | €899 |
Design: two philosophies
As for the design, it is clear that the Xiaomi scooter is committed to a more sporty and adventurous style. The lines are somewhat more aggressive than those of her friend, who sticks to a much more conventional look, but also more robust. For originality, the Scooter 4 Ultra takes a little more risk.
The great particularity of this pair is at the level of the suspensions. Xiaomi mentions front and rear suspensions, without giving more technical details. Segway-Ninebot is more talkative and evokes a hydraulic front suspension and a double spring rear suspension. In any case, it will be necessary to test the two systems to decide between them.
Their respective dimensions are more or less the same, with some minor differences: the Xiaomi is slightly shorter and lower (1200 x 550 x 1260mm) compared to the Max G2 (1210 x 570 x 1264mm) from Segway -Ninebot . Even if it means repeating yourself: these differences are terribly minimal and shouldn’t really be felt.
In the same way as its weight, which does not play much in its favor either: 25 kg on the Ultra side, 24.3 on its rival of the day. In both cases, these machines are very heavy for intermodality, although their folding system adds a good dose of practicality to be transported at arm’s length.
Tire choice is otherwise similar: a 10-inch size and a self-healing or self-sealing system—each manufacturer has its own term—on the menu. Same song about the weight supported, 120 kg in total, and the material used for the frame, aluminum in this case.
However, two small items are addressed with different approaches: the front light has a power of 2.5 W on the Xiaomi, compared to a power of 2.1 W on the Segway-Ninebot. However, the latter takes over without blinking… thanks to its front and rear turn signals. On a scooter, it’s a real strength to indicate directions without letting go of the handlebars.
Finally, IP standards are not entirely equal. Xiaomi’s two-wheeler uses an IP55 standard (protection against dust and splashing water), against IPX5 on the body of the Segway scooter and IPX7 on the battery pack (protection against immersion in water). However, no dust sealing is included in the program.
One is better cut for ribs.
One main difference should be noted here: the nominal and maximum power of each vehicle. The Xiaomi Scooter 4 Ultra goes up to 500 W and 940 W peak, to climb positive slopes of 25%. Opposite, the Max G2 goes up to 450 W and 900 W to ensure 22% ribs.
In other words, the Scooter 4 Ultra seems a bit more made for uphill trails. On the other hand, due to its higher nominal and maximum power, this should logically affect its autonomy. Xiaomi communicates a figure of 70 km… just like Segway-Ninebot.
Good to know: these figures were obtained from a well-defined test protocol, where a 75kg user (with 5kg load on the Xiaomi) drove at 15km/h with the Ultra, against 16km/h with the Segway . The latter, however, shows good faith, as he explains that he carried out another test… at 25 km / h. This time, the autonomy was 50 km.
in fine, the two devices should claim more or less the same range, within a few kilometers. For the rest, its charging speed is almost identical, with a difference of 30 minutes in favor of Segway. Once again, it all comes down to the little details.
Finally, in terms of assistance modes, the Segway offers one more: Walk, Eco, Sport, Race and Boost, the latter being used to deliver maximum power, especially on hills. Opposite, the Xiaomi offers the Walk, Standard, Sport and the new Sport + modes, the equivalent of the Boost of the competition.
Finally, a total equalizer when it comes to brakes, with an identical setup on each side: drum brake at the front, electronic brake at the rear. Let’s just note that the Max G2 has a traction control system that is not present in its rival.
Connectivity: the Segway has an added advantage
Connectivity also has a small part to play in the overall experience of an electric scooter. Here, in both cases, you will be faced with a colored control panel capable of displaying a large amount of information (speed, power, mode, etc.). The machine can also be connected to a mobile application: Xiaomi Home and Segway-Ninebot.
The Max G2 stands out, however, in one particular point: the integration of Apple’s Find My service, which allows you to geolocate your model using Bluetooth signals from other iOS devices and a triangulation system to guide its position. It is an interesting security system for owners of an Apple device.
The price, a factor
Finally, it is at the price level that everything is at stake: the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Ultra starts at the price of 999 euros… compared to 899 euros for the Segway-Ninebot Max G2. These hundred euros of difference should play a central role in the user’s final choice, at least on paper.
Especially since the Segway-Ninebot stands out in several small interesting elements, such as the integration of turn signals, compatibility with Apple’s Find My function and a more refined management of assistance modes. It is true that the Xiaomi is a bit more powerful and better protected against dust… but I’m not sure it’s worth 100 euros more.
We repeat: this versus is purely theoretical, but it allows you to have a first idea of their respective strengths. It will be necessary to test them during a complete test of several weeks to obtain a real and definitive empirical opinion.
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