Electric Scooters Compared Real World Range and Ride Quality Tested

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  • Source:OrientDeck

So you're thinking about hopping on the e-scooter bandwagon? Smart move. These sleek, zip-around machines are redefining urban commutes — but not all scooters are created equal. We put five top models to the test in real-world conditions to answer the big questions: How far can they *really* go? And do they actually feel good to ride?

Kicking Tires: What Matters Most

Beyond flashy specs, two factors dominate daily use: real-world range and ride quality. Manufacturers love quoting lab-perfect numbers, but city riding brings hills, wind, and uneven pavement. We tested each scooter at 15 mph on mixed terrain (concrete, asphalt, gravel paths) with a 180-lb rider to simulate average conditions.

The Contenders

  • Segway Ninebot MAX G2 – The range king
  • KickScooter Pro 3 – Premium suspension
  • Xiaomi Electric 1S – Budget favorite
  • Unagi Model One – Style & portability
  • Glion Dolly – Folds fast, smooth roll

Real-World Range Test Results

We charged each scooter to 100%, then rode until battery hit 5%. No eco modes — just standard settings.

Scooter Advertised Range (mi) Real-World Range (mi) Efficiency Loss
Segway MAX G2 40 32.6 18%
KickScooter Pro 3 30 23.1 23%
Xiaomi 1S 18.6 12.8 31%
Unagi Model One 15.5 9.7 37%
Glion Dolly 15.5 10.3 34%

Notice a trend? The gap between claimed and actual range grows as prices drop. Xiaomi and Unagi overpromise by nearly 1/3. Only Segway delivers within 20% — impressive.

Ride Quality: It’s All About the Wheels & Suspension

Let’s be real: small wheels on concrete = teeth-chattering pain. We scored comfort on a 1–10 scale across three surfaces.

Scooter Asphalt (avg) Cracked Concrete Gravel Path Overall Comfort
KickScooter Pro 3 9.2 8.5 7.8 8.5
Segway MAX G2 8.0 7.2 6.5 7.2
Glion Dolly 7.8 6.9 6.3 7.0
Xiaomi 1S 6.5 5.1 4.7 5.4
Unagi Model One 6.3 4.9 4.5 5.2

The KickScooter Pro 3’s dual spring suspension is a game-changer. It glides over cracks that make others buck. The budget picks? Not so much. Xiaomi and Unagi skimp on tires and damping — you’ll feel every pebble.

The Verdict

If range is your top priority, the Segway MAX G2 earns its stripes. But for a buttery ride, nothing beats the KickScooter Pro 3 — worth the splurge if you value comfort.

Bottom line: Don’t trust the box. Real-world performance trumps marketing fluff every time.