Electric Scooters Showdown Which One Wins in Real Use

So you're thinking about hopping on the e-scooter bandwagon? Smart move. These sleek, silent speedsters are reshaping urban commutes — but with so many models flooding the market, how do you pick the right one? We’ve put the top contenders through real-world testing to see who truly dominates in performance, comfort, and bang for your buck.

Kick vs. Glide: The Big Three Face Off

We tested three of the most popular electric scooters in 2024: the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro, the Segway Ninebot MAX G2, and the Unagi Model One. Each brings something unique to the sidewalk sprint.

Let’s break it down with hard numbers:

Right off the bat, you can see the trade-offs. The Segway wins on range — a massive 40 miles means fewer charges during the week. But it’s also the heaviest, making it a pain to carry up subway stairs or stash under a desk.

The Unagi? Featherlight at just 22 lbs and folds in one smooth motion — perfect for city dwellers who value portability over power. But that luxury comes at a steep price, and its 15.5-mile range might leave you stranded on longer trips.

Ride Quality: Bumps, Brakes, and Real-World Comfort

We took each scooter over cobblestones, potholes, and wet pavement to test stability and braking. Here’s what stood out:

• Segway MAX G2: Dual braking system (disc + regenerative) stops on a dime. Thick 10-inch tires soaked up bumps like a champ.
• Xiaomi 4 Pro: Solid drum brakes, but smaller 8.5-inch wheels felt shaky on rough terrain.
• Unagi Model One: Stylish, yes — but minimal suspension made every crack feel personal.

If you’re riding on less-than-perfect city streets, the Segway is your best bet for a smooth, safe ride.

Battery Life & Charging: Who Lasts the Longest?

In our daily use test (10 miles per day, mixed terrain), here’s how they held up:

• Segway: Lasted 4 full days before needing a charge.
• Xiaomi: Made it 2.5 days — impressive for the price.
• Unagi: Needed charging every other day — fine if you work from home.

Pro tip: Always factor in charging time. The Segway takes 8.5 hours, while the Xiaomi clocks in at 6.5 — a big difference if you forget to plug in overnight.

The Verdict: Who Wins?

If you want value and endurance, the Segway Ninebot MAX G2 takes the crown. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but when reliability and range matter most, it’s unbeatable.

On a budget? The Xiaomi 4 Pro delivers 80% of the performance at half the cost — a true sleeper hit.

And if style and portability are your top priorities (and budget isn’t), the Unagi Model One turns heads — just don’t plan cross-town trips without a backup plan.

Bottom line: E-scooters aren’t one-size-fits-all. Know your commute, your terrain, and your tolerance for lugging 40 pounds uphill. Ride smart.