Segway Ninebot Max G2 Vs. Unagi Model One Voyager

Choosing the perfect electric scooter can be a game-changer for your daily commute or weekend adventures, but with so many options on the market, how do you decide which one is right for you?

Two top contenders, the Segway Ninebot Max G2 and the Unagi Model One Voyager, both offer impressive features, but they cater to different needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking for durability, speed, or style, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we’ll dive into the pros, cons, and key differences between these two electric scooters, so you can find the one that perfectly matches your lifestyle.

Let’s roll into the details!

Segway Ninebot Max G2 Vs. Unagi Model One Voyager Comparison

Here's a brief overview of the comparison specs:

Cost

The Segway Ninebot Max G2 is one of our picks for the best scooters for adults, and you can grab yours for just $999. The 2023 release is the perfect replacement for Segways' long-running best-seller, the Ninebot Max G30. And besides a price bump, riders get improved range, enhanced reliability, and a ton of forward-looking features.

The Unagi Model One Voyager is available on a subscription basis. Unagi created the All-Access Membership plan, a retail model that lets you own the Unagi on a monthly payment basis. You can get the Model One Voyager at $79/month or the cheaper $59/ month Model One Classic if you want to sweeten the deal even further.

The value of the membership plan is not only in the low upfront cost–but you also get perks like:

• A subscription model requiring zero commitment
• Express delivery, 2-3 days after completing payment
• Free shipping
• Maintenance handled by Unagi
• Theft protection insurance
• Easy upgrades to the newest model
• Cancel any time without penalty

Additionally, Unagi offers seasonal discounts that lower the cost, offers for members who bundle their monthly payments, and a special 10% off for students.

Performance

The new Ninebot Max G2 has a rear 450 W motor with a peak power output of 1000 W. Alternatively, the Unagi Model One Voyager is a lightweight dual-motor scooter with front and rear 250 W motors. The Voyager can carry a maximum rider weight of 200 lbs, while the Segway Ninebot Max G2 is rated for a 265 lbs payload, so heavier riders might consider the latter for sustained performance.

Speed and Acceleration

The two electric scooters are neck and neck in a speed race. The Voyager accelerates to 15 mph in 4.4 seconds and achieves the manufacturer's claimed 20 mph maximum speed. On the other hand, the Ninebot Max G2 reaches the 15 mph mark in a marginally shorter 4.1 seconds to reach a top speed of 22 mph, which, like the Voyager, matches the manufacturer's spec.

You can control the Max G2's top speed via 3 select speed modes: Eco mode (10 mph), Drive mode (16 mph), and Sport mode (22 mph). Additionally, the scooter has a built-in safety mechanism, Park mode, that temporarily powers down the scooter when there's no input for longer than 6 seconds. Apply brakes to exit park mode.

Range and Battery

The Ninebot Max G30 electric scooter is a reliable long-distance commuter, and the G2 takes it a notch higher. The 551 Wh battery and the scooter's proprietary RideyLong technology, which leverages low-rolling resistance tires and a highly efficient motor and controller setup, deliver an outstanding tested range of 27 miles, with Segway claiming the scooter can ride to 43 miles. It's also a nice touch that the scooter has a built-in charger; therefore, there's no need to carry a bulky brick.

The Voyager, alternatively, uses energy-dense cells in its 360 Wh battery to deliver an optimized range of 12-25 miles, depending on your riding style and track conditions. Additionally, the electric scooter is fitted with a fast charging system that powers the scooter to 50% in just an hour and full capacity in 3 hours. You also get a smart BMS that, together with the superior cells, safeguards battery life.

Hill Climbing

The race to the top of a 200 ft 10% gradient between the two scooters is a tight one. The Segway's low rolling resistance, high traction tires, and rear wheel high torque motor give it an edge--the Ninebot Max G2 reaches the top in 13.7 seconds, with the Voyager slightly tailing at 14.1 seconds.

Braking

A dual electronic brake setup facilitates braking on the Voyager, and the scooter achieves a 17.3 ft stopping distance from a speed of 15 mph. The Segway Ninebot Max G2, on the other hand, has a front drum brake and rear regenerative electronic brake that stops the scooter at 12 ft from a speed of 15 mph. You can, additionally, dial in energy recovery on the Segway app.

Build Quality

Segway and Unagi hold the torch for building quality alongside brands like Apollo, EMOVE, and the higher-end NAMI.

Materials and Durability

The Unagi Voyager takes a strong lead here, with the engineers delivering a lightweight but ruggedly durable e-scooter. The construction materials —carbon fiber on the stem, magnesium alloy on the handlebars, and a single-piece machined aluminum—guarantee that the scooter can take on any sort of abuse from daily riding and remain standing.

On the other hand, Segway uses aero-grade aluminum alloy on the frame, reinforced ABS plastic on parts like the fender and quality silicone covers on the handlebar turn signals, over the front hydraulic shock, on the grips, and over the deck.

Aesthetics

You can't go wrong with either scooter. The Voyager offers more color choices: cool mist, cobalt blue, latte, and matte black. Its neat finish, smooth curves, unexposed wiring, and minimalist design make it the most chic scooter you can own.

The Segway Ninebot Max G2 is available in gunmetal gray with black and mustard accents. The design is equally neat without sharp protruding corners or visible joints, and the wiring is neatly routed through the stem to give it a put-together final look.

Ride Quality

The headline for the Max G2's release was "The Ninebot Max G30 gets suspension." That tells half the story about the scooter's great ride quality.

Tires

The Ninebot Max G2 has amazing 10-inch tubeless, self-healing tires. The brand of tires they use has been tested to withstand deep-penetrating sharp objects, so commuters can move about with the confidence that they'll almost never experience pinch flats or punctures.

When going off-road or riding in wet weather, the Ninebot Max G2 has traction control, like the flagship Segway GT2, that limits excess wheel spin from the front tire to give you a more confident riding experience.

The Voyager, on the other hand, has 7.5-inch solid tires. They are inherently flat-free, and Unagi adds air pockets in a honeycomb design to elevate their shock absorption and marginally improve traction on slippery roads.

Suspension

The Ninebot Max G2 electric scooter has a full suspension setup. It has a high-quality front hydraulic damper and rear adjustable double spring suspension, which give the scooter a premium feel when riding over obstacles.

The Voyager alternatively foregoes suspension due to the weight implications of a suspension setup.

Deck Space

The average adult will enjoy the footboard space on both electric scooters. On the Ninebot Max G2, you get a 19.8 x 7.3 inch without a structured footrest. On the other hand, the Voyager gives you 19.2 x 5.04 inches of steering space, with an added reinforced fender that you should not lean on too hard as it doubles as a friction brake.

Ride Ergonomics

The Segway Ninebot Max has great adult-friendly geometrics, with 41-inch-tall handlebars that are about 4 inches wider than the original Ninebot Max G30. For ride ergonomics, you also get improved throttle response and brakes that won't put you over the handlebars.

The Voyager is better suited for riders no taller than 6'3" courtesy of the 37.2-inch tall bars.

Portability

The best lightweight scooter in the world is the Unagi Voyager, with the Unagi Model One Classic as the only competition. The scooter weighs 29.6 lbs and folds down to 37.8 inches x 16.5 inches x 15 inches, making it a scooter you can easily carry on your appointments, fit under your seat on public transportation, or throw (two or three) into your sedan trunk.

Courtesy of the upgrades, the Ninebot Max is no longer considered portable. The scooter registers a net weight approx 53.5 lbs, which is a workout when carrying. Additionally, the wider bars bring the folded dimensions to 47.5 inches x 22.5 inches x 24 inches, which takes up quite a chunk of space and will barely fit in your car trunk.

Water-Resistance

The Segway Ninebot scooter has an IPX5 rating and a higher IPX7 water resistance rating on the battery. However, these numbers have always felt conservative, with Segway going the extra mile to seal every nook and cranny and give the scooter excellent fender coverage.

On the other hand, the Voyager is IPX4-rated and withstands less water exposure than the Segway scooter, but it is enough to ride in sudden light showers. The fenders also do an excellent job keeping your feet dry when riding through shallow puddles.

App and Controls

The Ninebot Max G2's dash remains similar to the original G30's. It's readable in sunlight and gives all the vital metrics. The scoop, however, is in the scooter's app. The Segway companion app has a ton of customization options, from setting acceleration and regen intensity to setting the upper charging limit for the scooter, setting zero start, managing cruise control, traction control on/off, turning on the beeping reminder when the turn signals are on, and the first ever on a scooter, 'Apple Find My' anti-theft feature.

The Unagi Voyager has an excellent display console, and like the Segway Ninebot Max G2, it also has a show-stopping app. The app lets you access a very accurate range remaining counter that considers your rider's weight and riding terrain. You can also set top speed settings for different riding modes, manage single and dual motor functions, remotely lock and unlock the scooter, and manage your monthly subscription.

Lighting

The Segway Ninebot Max and Unagi Voyager electric scooters have standard lighting: a strong headlight, a tail light that doubles as a brake light, and reflectors to aid in night riding. The Ninebot Max, however, also incorporates a set of handlebar turn signals that are high enough to be visible to drivers. They are also self-canceling, but you can always set them to beep so you remember to turn them off once you're done.

Verdict

The choice between the Segway Ninebot Max G2 and Unagi Voyager is tough, and it ultimately boils down to rider preference.

Their offerings overlap in areas like maximum speed and acceleration, hill climbing, water protection, the smart battery management system, and state-of-the-art companion apps.

The Ninebot Max G2's excellent range, higher max rider weight capacity, comfortable ride from the full suspension setup and air tires, and unique features like traction control might be considered tie-breakers.

However, the Voyager fights back with its portability, durability of the materials used in construction, sleek design, and the subscription-based retail model that lets you pay $79 / month. Plus, if your needs don't align, you can cancel your subscription.

And considering other membership perks, discounts on bundled payments, theft protection, and the upgradability option, it becomes clear that the Voyager has a very strong lead in the hunt for the best commuter scooter.

Identify your needs as a rider, and check our highlight scooters against our other picks for Best Electric Scooters (Disclaimer: You'll still find both scooters on the list).