Segway unveiled the Mini Pro not as a hoverboard but as a “smart self-balancing personal transporter.” Perhaps the most notable features of this machine are its “smart” functionality – you can connect it to a mobile app via Bluetooth to increase your usage options, and the unique “padded knee bar” to help you steer it more easily and effectively than a standard hoverboard.
The Segway Mini Pro is certainly not cheap if you compare it with the price of a standard premium hoverboard, but than again it offers a degree of control and functionality that most standard hoverboards simply don’t offer the Rider.
So, here is my Segway Mini Pro Review.
By the end of this Review, I hope that you will have enough information about the Segway Mini Pro Self-Balancing Transporter to decide whether or not it is the best machine for you or your child.
There is a Video Review towards the bottom of this page for those who just want to sit back and watch someone explain and demonstrate the Mini Pro’s features.
Segway Mini Pro – Key Features
So, what are the key features of the Segway Mini Pro?
1. Weight Limit and Design
The Mini Pro comes with a maximum rider weight limit of 220 lbs, which is pretty standard for these types of electric ride on machines.
If you need a hoverboard that can take the weight of a 265 lb rider, check out the Epikgo hoverboards instead.
The unit is connected to the ground by a pair of 10.5 inch pneumatic air-filled tires, which makes riding over cracks and bumps in the ground far less of a problem that can be the case with the hard rubber tires that commonly come with cheaper hoverboards.
The Segway Mini Pro weighs 28 lbs, which is a little on the heavy side without being unmanageable. There are essentially 2 options for transporting the machine whilst not actually riding it. Firstly, you can leave it powered on and “guide it along” sing the telescoping carry handle. Alternatively, you can turn of off the power and carry it by gripping the steering bar.
The entire device oozes a sense of robust solidity and understated style.
There are 2 color options:
2. Smart Technology
The smartphone integration of the Segway Mini Pro is touted as one of its flagship features. Bluetooth pairing allows the connection of the Segway to an Android or iOS device.
Using the Ninebot app for Android or iOS, you can perform a host of functions:
- customize the LED lights
- obtain diagnostic information
- calibrate the unit
- firmware updates
- anti-theft alarm functionality
- control the unit remotely
I’ve found the app a more than useful companion. The remote control functionality allows you to use your Android on-screen control to guide the Mini Pro as though you were riding it.
Another nice feature is the anti-theft integration. You receive an alert whenever it is disturbed or moved. The only downside about the anti-theft function is that the machine has to be switched on and connected via Bluetooth for this function to work properly.
3. Self-Balancing Technology and Safety
Segway mini pro is very similar to regular hoverboards in terms of steering control, but with one important extra features.
“Want to go forward? Lean forward.” This is the most basic starting point for those learning how to ride a hoverboard.
Just like most hoverboards, the Segway Mini Pro is designed to read and feel your movement and weight distribution. The various sensors around allow for ease of control. Forward/Backward movement is done by balancing yourself on the board and leaning towards your desired direction.
To improve “balance” while using the Mini Pro, a center column (the steering bar) is added that rests over the knees. By leaning left or right, you direct the movement of the unit as you please. The steering bar also acts as some form of safety unit which you can grip for balance.
So, the knee steering bar really does distinguish the Mini Pro from standard hoverboards in terms of control and safety, but it does not actually come with a handlebar. So, if you want a hoverboard-type experience, but with larger wheels and the knee bar control system, the Segway Mini Pro is the way to go.
If, however, you want the added support of a handlebar, you really need to look at a full Segway machine instead.
One of the major risks of hoverboards has been the insane speeds they can get to when going down hill. The manufacturers of the Segway Mini Pro have introduced a safety measure that prevents the machine from speeding past 10 mph.
Basically, this safety mechanism works by slowing you down if it detects that you are exceeding the 10 mph speed limit. For some thrill seekers this might be an annoyance but for parents this is a very reassuring feature that sets the Mini Pro apart from other similar machines.
There is a tutorial for you to work through when you first use the Segway Mini Pro. During the tutorial process, the speed of the machine is restricted to 4 mph and then about 7 mph, before the top speed of about 10 mph is unleashed.
As you would expect from a Segway machine, the Mini Pro comes with the UL 2272 safety certification, which demonstrates that it has passed strict fire and electrical safety tests.
4. Top Speed and Battery Run Time
The top speed is 10 mph and a single charge will last you about 15 miles of use, which is more than most hoverboards.
Segway Mini Pro – Video Review
Watch Video Review of the Segway Mini Pro …
Is the Segway Mini Pro the Best Self-Balancing Transporter?
My personal opinion is that the Segway Mini Pro is the best self-balancing transporter on the market today.
You can buy standard hoverboards for less money. But this is not just a hoverboard, it is Segway machine that comes with extra control and smart-features, and at a much cheaper price than a full Segway with handlebars.
I highly recommend the Segway Mini Pro Self-Balancing Transporter.
Check Best Price of the Segway Mini Pro
Leave a Comment
I would love to hear from anyone that has anything constructive to say about my Segway Mini Pro Review.
Have you or your child ever ridden a Segway Mini Pro Self-Balancing Transporter? If so, what did you think of it?
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