Electric Scooters Compared Real World Testing and Results

So you're thinking about hopping on the electric scooter bandwagon? Smart move. These zippy little machines are reshaping urban commutes, slashing carbon footprints, and yes—making you look pretty cool while doing it. But with dozens of models flooding the market, how do you pick the right one? We put four top contenders through real-world testing to bring you honest, data-backed insights. No fluff. Just facts.

Kicking Tires: Our Test Fleet

We tested the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 4 Pro, Segway Ninebot MAX G2, Unagi Model One, and Glion Dolly across city streets, hills, and uneven sidewalks. Metrics included range, ride comfort, portability, and value.

The Verdict: Who Wins?

If range and durability are your priorities, the Segway MAX G2 is a tank. With a 40-mile max range (we got 36 in mixed conditions), puncture-proof tires, and a robust build, it’s built for daily warriors. Downside? It’s heavy—hauling it up subway stairs gets old fast.

The Xiaomi Mi 4 Pro is the sweet spot for most riders. Lighter than the Segway, packs a punch with 31 miles of real-world range, and costs $300 less. Its dual braking system and IP54 rating mean it handles rain and stops on a dime.

Premium design lovers, meet the Unagi Model One. Dual motors, sleek aluminum frame, and feather-light at 24.3 lbs. But that luxury comes at a cost—both in price and practicality. Half the range of the Xiaomi, and no suspension? Ouch on bumpy roads.

Last up, the Glion Dolly. Compact, foldable, and rolls like a suitcase. Great for last-mile commuters who take transit. But 15.5 miles? Barely enough for a round-trip downtown commute.

Rider Insights You Won’t Find in Manuals

• Hills matter. The Unagi struggled on 8% inclines; Segway and Xiaomi powered through.
• Tire size = ride quality. 10-inch pneumatic tires (Xiaomi, Segway) soaked up bumps better than the 8.5-inch solid tires on Glion and Unagi.
• Battery anxiety is real. Advertised ranges are often under ideal lab conditions. We saw 10–15% less in stop-and-go traffic.

The Bottom Line

For most urban riders, the Xiaomi Mi 4 Pro delivers the best balance of performance, price, and practicality. Need max range and don’t mind the weight? Go Segway. If style trumps specs and budget’s no issue, Unagi turns heads. And if you’re folding and rolling onto a train daily, Glion Dolly fits the bill—just charge it nightly.

Ride smart, charge safe, and always wear a helmet. The future of city travel isn’t just electric—it’s efficient, fun, and finally within reach.