As the automobile market continues its concerning freefall—except for electric vehicles—the market for new mobility solutions, particularly electric scooters, is booming (+42% between 2020 and 2022). Despite a plethora of models, the market remains wide open as scooters are no longer just leisure items. Ninebot has decided to step up with the Segway KickScooter P65E, representing the new generation of electric scooters. Let’s see if it’s worth it…
Design of the Ninebot Segway KickScooter P65E
The design is reminiscent of the movie Demolition Man. The scooter features a large deck, framed by 10.5-inch wheels with tubeless tires and a jelly layer to prevent punctures. The all-season tires have treads that provide excellent water and dirt evacuation, according to Ninebot. The build quality is nearly perfect, with only a few plastic details hinting at a pre-production model.
The scooter includes turn signals, with lights at handlebar height and additional lights on the deck, both front and rear. There is also a dedicated button for lights, a somewhat weak horn that replaces the traditional bell, and customizable side LEDs. The P65E is well-protected against rain, with a reinforced deck underside, a robust stem, waterproof charging port cover, and integrated cables to reduce visual clutter.
Braking and Tires
The cable disc brake system uses dual-piston calipers, with a mechanical brake at the front and an electromagnetic one at the back, similar to the E45E. The 10.5-inch tubeless Cross Seasons tires are an innovation from Ninebot, designed for quick fluid evacuation, including rain. These tires also have a reinforcing jelly layer, making punctures rare except in extreme situations. They provide excellent grip on various terrains, from forests and rocks to dirt and debris.
Starting and Onboard Display
The scooter can be started via an NFC card or smartphone, with the latter option available when the scooter officially goes on sale. The NFC antenna is located on the handlebar. The display shows essential information and the instantaneous power usage, similar to a car’s tachometer. For more details, a smartphone mount and the dedicated app are required.
Handlebar and Deck
The wide handlebar offers an excellent grip. The stem attachment system is the same as other latest-generation models from the brand, like the G30 LE II. The metal hook latch is simple, reliable, and secure. However, carrying the 28kg scooter can be challenging, and the fixed handlebars make it difficult to fit in a car trunk.
The deck is perhaps the most interesting part of the scooter. It is wide, long, and provides excellent comfort. The textured surface offers grip and can accommodate boxes secured between the legs.
Size and Weight Limitations
The scooter’s size and weight, at 28kg, are its main drawbacks. While lighter than a Dualtron Victor, it is not suited for carrying up high floors without an elevator. Fitting it in a 610L trunk requires folding down part of the backseat. The P65E requires a dedicated storage space and elevator access. When purchasing in-store, remember to allocate space for the box.
The P65E’s size and weight, at 28kg, are its main drawbacks. While lighter than a Dualtron Victor, it is not suited for carrying up high floors without an elevator. Fitting it in a 610L trunk requires folding down part of the backseat. The P65E requires a dedicated storage space and elevator access. When purchasing in-store, remember to allocate space for the box.
Ninebot Segway KickScooter P65E App
At the time of testing, the Ninebot app did not yet include the P65E. However, we were able to obtain some screenshots from the brand. The app is already known from other models and offers remote locking, light adjustment, and magnetic braking power settings. With a smartphone mount, the app displays real-time speed, power usage, and route.
Riding the Ninebot Segway KickScooter P65E
With 500 watts of rear power and 980 watts at peak, the P65E offers a different riding experience. The scooter’s strength lies in its smooth power delivery, avoiding the sudden surge experienced with the Dualtron Victor. Ninebot has also incorporated a “walk” mode, allowing the scooter to be pulled effortlessly—useful on inclines or where riding is prohibited, especially considering its weight.
Three modes are available: Eco, Normal, and Sport. The latter will be used most often, while the others limit top speed and peak power. The Sport mode is neither aggressive nor overly athletic.
The rear-wheel drive provides better control, and the scooter can easily climb curbs. The thick deck remains at a comfortable height thanks to the 10.5-inch tires. During testing, the scooter handled various terrains without issue. However, the lack of suspension takes away some fun and requires bending the knees to absorb shocks.
The peak power is impressive. In a specific steep incline test, only the Dualtron Victor had successfully climbed without reducing speed. The P65E also managed the climb, albeit with less ease, maintaining 25 km/h even when starting midway up the hill. This feat halves the scooter’s range, proving that it delivers twice the power to handle the effort.
The tires effectively absorb shocks and compensate for the lack of suspension. However, the absence of suspension is a significant drawback for a scooter of this caliber.
Maneuverability and Braking
Despite its weight and size, the Ninebot P65E is easy to drive and maneuver, with good turning capabilities. However, it has less angle inclination than the Ninebot E45E or Xiaomi M365 Pro. Its turning radius is decent but not extraordinary.
The braking system combines electromagnetic rear braking and mechanical front braking. Note that the electric brake is connected to the motor, unlike the E45E’s independent hub-based system designed for heat dissipation. The scooter features dual-piston calipers.
This setup provides progressive, safe, and powerful braking. It allows for strong initial braking followed by release, as in downhill riding, or slowing down while retaining a margin for potential emergency braking in urban environments.
Acceleration is brisk but not overly aggressive, making the scooter best suited for bike lanes. Its design suggests a top speed closer to 100 km/h rather than the actual 25 km/h limit.
Overall, the Ninebot P65E offers excellent riding experience—efficient, enjoyable, and easy to handle.
Ninebot Segway KickScooter P65E Range
Ninebot typically indicates range in the model name, with P65E representing 65 km of autonomy. Our test model covered 53 km on a single charge, traveling from Val-de-Marne to Paris and back at 25 km/h with a 100 kg rider. With lighter riders, the range could easily reach 60 or 65 km.
During a steep incline test, the autonomy did not exceed 27 km with the scooter running at 1000W non-stop.
Interestingly, like the G30 Max or PlayStation 5, the P65E includes a transformer. A three-prong power cable is all that’s needed for charging.
The 0.561 kWh battery charges in just 4 hours, with a 20% to 80% charge completed in 2 hours and 47 minutes.
The charging port is located on the deck and features a waterproof cover.
This range allows for complete independence from public transportation, with general waterproofing and all-weather tires enabling year-round use. The 25 km/h speed limit slightly constrains efficiency, but 15 km can be covered in about 40 minutes. The P65E can handle a 20 km round trip during winter with inclines.
We were also able to complete 70 km round trips (35 km each way) with a charge in between. These 35 km trips took 1.5 hours, which can be tiring when standing on the scooter and slower compared to a scooter. Thus, the P65E is ideal for 15-20 km trips.
The non-removable battery and the scooter’s size and weight require adapting one’s living space for charging and storage.
Ninebot Segway KickScooter P65E Price and Availability
The Ninebot KickScooter P65E is priced at $1,499 and is available from October on the official website and at consumer electronics stores. This price point puts it in competition with the Minimotors Dualtron Mini 23A.
