Segway MAX G2: An electric kick scooter with cruise control? Sign me up

Every now and again technology companies introduce us to tools we never knew we needed. One of those is cruise control on an electric kick scooter.

Segway's new MAX G2 electric scooter.

Sometimes it’s the things which aren’t yet legal that are the most fun.

In this instance, we’re not talking anything unsavoury but rather plodding along on Segway’s latest and greatest device: the MAX G2 ($1699).

In NSW, electric kick scooters are yet to pass legislation for use and to be completely honest, that’s quite a shame because we’ve had a lot of fun over the past few months on a two-wheeled device that really does punch above its weight.

Neuron Mobility and Lime Microbility have had electric scooters on streets in Hobart and Melbourne for a couple of years now, and while often a little expensive, they are a lot of fun.

But renting an electric scooter is one thing, and owning one and being free of limits in areas with high foot traffic is another.

The Australian’s tech team are suckers for the electrification of most things, be it an eBike conversion kit or even a paddle board.

Segway’s newest electric scooter reaches speeds of up to 25km/h and can, at lower speeds, travel 70km on a single charge.

The Segway MAX G2 electric scooter folded up.

In comparison to eBikes, where acceleration is often linked to a sensor in pedals, the MAX G2 does make life really rather easy.

The device uses a simple thumb throttle and, better yet, users can even pop it into cruise control to maintain their speed.

Cruise control on a kick scooter is one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you use it. Trekking along broken footpaths, navigating gaps, lumps and sweeps of driveways is a lot easier when you haven’t got to worry about maintaining a certain pressure on a throttle. Shutting off cruise control is as simple as tapping the single brake lever on the left-hand side.

Like most devices this one is smart, not just in the form of being somewhat controlled by an app on your smartphone but when it comes to device security.

The MAX G2 can be turned on by a mobile app.

For one, the device works with Apple’s Find My, which is an added bonus for iPhone, Mac and iPad users who are able to track the device’s location via an app, as well as play a sound on it if lost and share the item’s location with a partner, co-owner or parent.

The scooter doesn’t really have any accessible holes in which someone can run a cable through to lock it other than the front wheel spokes and, given its weight of 24.3kg, it’s a little too heavy to be regularly carrying up and down stairs; believe us, we have taken many flights of stairs over the past few months.

The MAX G2 does have a smart lock in which a user can set a pin code which they toggle through four digits using the device’s indicators, locking in each digit with a squeeze of the brake.

When an incorrect code goes in, both indicators flash and the wheels lock. This only lasts a short while before the device turns off completely – but rest assured it does do it again.

The display on Segway's new MAX G2.

On physical traits, the MAX G2 is quite tall, measuring 1.26m, which might be tricky for some.

The device has 10-inch tubeless tyres – and dual brakes, which we found to be a lot stronger on the front wheel than the rear, as you would expect from a motorised vehicle when both are applied together.

On the electric side of things, there’s lights, indicators, and a digital display showing speed which allows a user to change through three modes – eco, drive and speed – which respectively reach speeds of 12 km/h, 20 km/h and 25 km/h.

Those speeds are reached via a 900W motor and a 15300mAh battery.

The verdict? This thing is by all accounts the coolest electric scooter we’ve ever seen and ridden.

We don’t just say that because it has front and rear suspension, inflatable tyres or traction control, but how it handles both on and off the road. It’s a big thumbs up from us.

If you’re craving feeling like a kid again, this is your chance.

The front suspension on the Max G2.

Originally published as Segway MAX G2: An electric kick scooter with cruise control? Sign me up