Same same but different: Segway-Ninebot MAX e-scooter SG vs US model

The Segway-Ninebot MAX is probably one of the most highly anticipated e-scooters in the scooter riding community. It is the most powerful personal mobility device (PMD) Segway-Ninebot has brought into production. With a 15Ah Lithium battery, the MAX is capable of going up to 65km on a single battery charge. Plus, it is fitted with a built-in charging power supply. Segway-Ninebot listed the Ninebot Kickscooter MAX on Indiegogo to crowdfund for the initial production of the scooters. It did not take long for the MAX to go viral online!

But, before you go ahead and place your order for the MAX online, mind you that there are a couple of things to take note of beforehand!

In Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented certain rules and regulations for PMDs to ensure the safety of PMD users and the people around them. PMDs in Singapore must not exceed the weight and width limit of 20kg and 70cm respectively, and the top speed of any PMD must be capped at a 25km/h maximum. Anything beyond these limits are considered illegal and cannot be used in public in Singapore.

Failure to comply with the above rules and regulations will result in a $5,000 fine, a 3-month jail term or both, for a first time offender.

Most importantly, as of 5 August this year, the LTA has announced that the deadline for PMD users to switch from their non-UL2272 PMDs to a UL2272-certified one has been brought forward to 1 July 2020, following a spike of fire incidents caused by non-UL2272 devices in Singapore.

UL2272 was found by LTA to be the most suitable and thorough test for safety standards for  personal mobility devices’ electrical system. The UL2272 test evaluates a PMD from a system-level perspective instead of just assessing the e-scooter by individual components. The devices will go through a series of electrical, mechanical and environmental tests before attaining the UL2272 certificate. 

A few examples of these tests include a temperature test, which determines if a device’s battery cells and critical components are able to withstand specific operating current, voltage and temperature limits during the charging process. Another test, which is conducted under the mechanical tests portion of the testing phase, is the vibration test that evaluates the device’s ability to withstand vibration that may occur during its anticipated use.

This brings us to the main question; is the Segway-Ninebot MAX LTA-compliant and what’s the difference between the US version of the MAX (as available on Indiegogo) and the Singapore version sold by Mighty Velo?

Yes, the MAX is LTA-compliant, but only the Singapore version. Why is that so?

The US version of the MAX can travel at speeds of up to 30km/h, which violates one of LTA’s regulations whereby all PMDs top-speed must be capped at only 25km/h. However, the Singapore version of the MAX has been adjusted by the manufacturer (Segway-Ninebot) so it won’t exceed the 25km/h speed-limit.

Additionally, MAX scooters bought or ordered from the US, such are the ones available at the Indiegogo website or ordered from any other country outside of Singapore are very much likely to not be LTA-compliant and not UL2272 certified. Retailers in Singapore are not permitted to promote or sell non-UL2272 e-scooters and PMDs as of 1 July 2019. In any case, you can only register and ride a UL2272 certified device from 1 July 2020, so it is best to invest in one now in order to continue riding it in the long run!

The Segway-Ninebot MAX e-scooter is certified to the UL2272 safety standard by the TUV Rheinland testing facility. You can check that the Segway-Ninebot MAX e-scooter that you purchased in Singapore is UL2272 certified by looking for the following TUV Rheinland logo on the label under your MAX’s foot deck:

You can operate your Segway-Ninebot MAX with no issues in Singapore if you made your purchase from Mighty Velo, the official Segway-Ninebot distributor in Singapore. Segway-Ninebot e-scooters and PMDs like the MAX and ES2 also come with a 12 month limited warranty when you purchase from Mighty Velo. Mighty Velo is a Segway-Ninebot authorized service centre and all our technicians are trained at the Segway-Ninebot factory by their engineers, so you can rest assured that your scooter is in very safe and steady hands!

What’s more, Mighty Velo is the ONLY retailer that offers the option to customise your Segway-Ninebot MAX with 20 exciting colour and pattern choices!

NOTE: You can purchase the Segway-Ninebot MAX at our store at 259 Lavender Street, or make your purchase online at www.OhMyBike.com.

Hurry now and experience the urban mobility revolution with the Segway-Ninebot MAX e-scooter!