Segway ZT3 Pro Electric Scooter Review: A Pro Grade Scooter Anyone Can Pick Up and Ride - CNET

Oct 27, 2024

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Don't let the "Pro" in the name mislead you; the ZT3 Pro is an all-terrain scooter suitable for everyone.

The latest Segway scooter is available for pre-order at $949 starting today. Is it worth it? Keep reading -- we got our hands on one to find out.

The Segway ZT3 Pro is one of the more intriguing scooters I've tested. At first glance, it looks fast and bulky, but it's quite tame and relatively easy to transport. Don't get me wrong -- the scooter can pick up speed, but the ride is incredibly smooth. It's more like an upgraded last-mile scooter without the usual discomforts of riding one. The Segway also has features that make your daily commute more peaceful.

Let's begin with the design. Assembly was straightforward -- simply attach the handlebars using four hex screws with the provided Allen wrench. The deck is spacious enough to comfortably fit my size 12 feet. The ZT3 Pro boasts a six-inch ground clearance, thanks to its 11-inch tubeless all-terrain tires and front and rear suspension, making it easy to transition between on-road and off-road riding. The front suspension has a short travel so don't be too aggressive. The ZT3 Pro has a carbon-steel, weather-resistant frame.

Front suspension and wheel

The scooter features dual mechanical disc brakes for stopping power. While I'm not a fan of mechanical brakes -- they require more maintenance compared to their more expensive hydraulic counterparts -- I'm sure Segway made the choice to keep this model affordable. The scooter features front and rear lights, with the ones closer to the deck customizable. The higher light enhances visibility when riding in traffic.

The BMS 2.0 (battery management system) provides 10 layers of charging protection, while Flash Charge technology delivers 6.2 miles of range in just 30 minutes and a full charge in four hours. In short, it's safe to bring indoors.

The scooter features a beautiful 3-inch hexagonal color LCD display that provides essential information such as the current speed, battery level in bars and Bluetooth connection. It's even visible in sunlight. This is attached to a set of wide handlebars, as they improve stability. The scooter feels light while riding, yet it remains steady and doesn't wobble even on bumpy surfaces at top speed.

For security, the vehicle includes built-in Apple Find My functionality and Air Lock, which requires the Segway mobile app. Using Bluetooth connectivity, the scooter will lock and unlock when within range. By default, the scooter operates in kickstart mode, which requires riders to kick off before the motor engages. This feature can be disabled, allowing riders to simply hit the thumb throttle and go. However, as an added safety measure, when the scooter is in non-kickstart mode, it automatically enters "park" and requires the rider to squeeze the brake lever before they can take off via throttle. There's even a traction control system to prevent slipping on wet surfaces, which can be enabled or disabled through the app.

A feature I've only used in electric cars, the ZT3 Pro includes kinetic energy regeneration. This activates when you release the throttle, creating a set amount of resistance that feeds energy back into the battery. For instance, when going down a steep hill, instead of wearing out your brake pads, you can adjust the "Energy Recovery" setting in the Segway app to standard, weak or even disable it altogether. While enabling this feature can slow your speed, it can be beneficial for downhill riding.

The ZT3 Pro features integrated non-self-canceling signal lights visible from both the front and rear. However, when folded, the lights do stick out a bit. This is expected because they must be visible from the rear and would be useless if the rider obstructs them.

As I mentioned before, the Segway has a bulky appearance, but it isn't too heavy -- just over 65 pounds -- making it manageable to carry around.

The ZT3 Pro has an estimated 40-plus miles in Eco and 18 in Sport mode, but this can always vary depending on rider size, terrain and winds. The scooter can support a payload of 265 pounds and hit a top speed of 25 mph -- a perfect speed for city commuting.

My son riding the ZT3 Pro uphill

Who is this scooter for, and should you consider buying it? The ZT3 Pro, with its sporty appearance, is ideal for daily errands. Its sturdy build accommodates larger riders while being enjoyable for younger people like my teenage son. At a pre-order of $949, it's tough to find another scooter that matches its features and comfort at that price point.

The pre-orders of the ZT3 Pro will ship in October 2024 and the post-launch price will be $1,299.