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Segway-Ninebot has just lifted the veil on three new models of electric scooters, the Kickscooter Model D. Enough to come face to face with the leader Xiaomi, with a very similar recipe.
The association of Ninebot and Segway brings three new models of electric scooters to the French market. The Kickscooter D18E, D28E and D38E are not particularly revolutionizing a market largely dominated by Xiaomi. Nevertheless, these new scooters are not devoid of interest compared to their Chinese cousins with whom they share obvious points in common.
The D18E, D28E and D38E share a common base, some elements of which are necessarily reminiscent of previous Segway-Ninebot machines, including the F series. The “Model D” offer a decidedly more sympathetic and less austere look than that of the Mi Electric Scooter. The red line drawn by the frame that runs the length of the scooter frames a rather wide deck of 17 cm. Enough to fit two feet in a rather comfortable way, even if you are relatively tall. The deck is covered with a layer of silicone to which Ninebot grants vibration limitation and grip properties for the soles.
With a view to comfort and handling, the Kickscooters D opt for 10-inch wheels with inflatable tires. A diameter greater than the 8 or 8.5 inches usually seen on machines of the same type. This should offer a little more comfort on a road enamelled with asperities. The manufacturer announces that it has equipped its scooter with more resistant rubber than previous generations, punctures being the black point encountered by many users of models with inflatable tires. In the absence of suspension, it is difficult to consider switching to solid tires without sacrificing comfort.
Three different configurations
The engine is positioned in the front wheel on the three new models. A position which facilitates crossing sidewalks in town, but which offers more limited grip control when starting. Standing starts don’t promise to be dazzling with the more affordable D18E model. The latter has a 250 W motor (500 W peak) and should also offer a rather limited torque. The Kickscooter D28E climbs for its part on a 300 W motor (600 W peak), probably more lively and balanced. Finally, the D38E is adorned with a 350 W motor (double at peak) and should logically be the most pleasant to drive in an urban environment in addition to having a higher torque for coast crossings without loss of speed. . The three Model Ds are capable of reaching the maximum speed authorized in France, namely 25 km/h.
Braking is provided by a drum brake, positioned on the rear wheel. A choice that can be of interest compared to disc brakes, the latter being generally of poor quality and poorly adjusted by default. If you like to adjust your brakes yourself, the drum system is less practical. An energy recovery system on the front wheel completes the braking system. Everything is combined when using the brake lever.
For autonomy, Segway-Ninebot has made it easier to identify the performance of its machines, everything is indicated in the name of the product. Thus, the Kickscooter D18E is capable of rolling 18 km, 28 km for the D28E and 10 additional km available to the D38E. Autonomies finally quite close to those offered by the Model F of Ninebot and in the average for scooters of this category.
Bluetooth connectivity
Ninebot’s new electric scooters have a color LCD screen displaying the usual information. Bluetooth connectivity allows them to be associated with a smartphone application in order, in particular, to lock the machine to slow down potential thieves or quite simply prevent unwanted use by children, for example. The D18E, D28E and D38E also comply with legislation by positioning lights at the front and rear as well as reflectors on either side.
Among the regrets that we can have, it is necessary to note the weak capacity to make compact of the machines of Ninebot. Folding still appears to be just as easy to maneuver, but the D-series scooters retain a very clear footprint despite everything. They are not particularly light either in terms of their characteristics. The D18E displays 14.8 kg on the scale, 15.3 kg for the D28E and 16.3 kg for the D38E. It would be better not to have too many floors to climb.
Pre-orders are already open on the brand’s website. It takes 359 € for the Kickscooter D18E, 439 € for the D28E and 509 € for the D38E. Prices that come under those charged by Xiaomi for very similar models. The Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2, which is placed opposite the D38E is marketed for 549 €, while the Mi Electric Scooter 3, close to the D28E, is displayed at 449 € and regularly less according to discounts.