Segway updates testing standards

Segway has introduced a new testing protocol for its electric scooters to provide more realistic autonomy figures, according to a report from Cleanrider. The new method includes continuous operation at 25 km/h, a rider weight of 75 kg, flat and paved surfaces, a temperature of 25°C, a fully charged battery, and a test ending at 15 km/h. This protocol replaces previous laboratory tests conducted at a constant 15 km/h, which were criticized for not reflecting real-world conditions.

Real-world range is lower

Under the new protocol, a scooter rated for 70 km at 15 km/h or 50 km at 25 km/h now shows a range of 42 to 43 km per full charge, representing 60% of the initial value. However, this figure may still not fully represent real-world usage, as other factors such as temperature, number of stops at traffic lights, and elevation changes can affect the actual range.

Testing reveals even lower range

During a test of the Ninebot F3 Pro E, Cleanrider found that the theoretical range of 70 km dropped to 33 km in practice, which is less than the 42 km announced by Segway's new protocol. The discrepancy may be due to factors such as average temperatures and other real-world variables.