This review is for the Ninebot F65u scooter.
I already owned a smaller version of the Ninebot Scooter (F35), which I loved and which gave me confidence to buy the F65U without regret on a Prime Day super-sale (and give the F35 to my teenage son).
This scooter is top-of-the-line: the best of all the electric scooters I have ridden, including all the brands of street-rental scooters. It is zippier, more stable, smoother, and nicer than the F35. The floorboard is wider, the motor is faster, it does go up hills with more power, it has nifty little (but bright) turn signals, and the 40-mile battery range is much better than the 12-mile range of the F35. It is worth the premium to me.
I weigh about 240 pounds, so the more powerful motor is very noticeable. The F35 motor is sufficient for someone my size, but the F65 motor is noticeably more powerful and is better going up hills. I can and have often gotten up to 20 mph. (Inflate the tires to their max when it arrives; they come only half-inflated so the tubes don't burst during shipping).
I have not pushed the battery to its range limits, but (like most EVs) the 40 mile range does seem a bit exaggerated: based upon ideal lab conditions, when the battery and motor are brand new, for a skinny waif, traveling downhill, with the wind. I have gone under 50% several times after traveling less than 20 miles. Nonetheless, the range is noticeably better than the F35; and the fact is that I do not have many trips over 20 miles each way where I would use a scooter.
For context, we live in Austin, Texas, which has some significant hills. Austin is also urban enough to make a "last mile" scooter helpful, especially when I have bad knees and a bad hip. I also used it to get to the pool on the UT campus, where parking is impossible. The F35 is more of a "last mile" scooter, whereas the F65 can serve as more of a primary form of urban transportation, especially in places like Manhattan or Chicago. (I used to live in Chicago; been to NYC many many times). It probably won't be able to replace your car in more spread-out cities like L.A. or Houston.
The F65 is heavier than the F35, but only by about 5-8 pounds, which is not significant to its 40-pound total, especially considering the significantly added range and power. Although the footboard is slightly wider than the F35, its "footprint" is pretty much the same as any other scooter, so it can go on public transportation if needed.
Like the F35, the F65 folds and fits into the trunk of my car pretty easily, which allows me to use it for "last mile" of any commute/trip where parking is not easy. (I also use it for changing venues during SXSW.) Folding and lifting it is easy for me.
The F35 did not have a turn signal, whereas the F65 does. It was not a selling point to me, but it is worth mentioning. I thought the turn signal would be just a nifty but unnecessary "bell and whistle." But the turn signal does give me more confidence riding alongside traffic because I can communicate what I intend to do much better. Without the centrifugal force of 27-inch wheels keeping you going straight, it is difficult if not dangerous to take even one hand off the handlebars to signal, like I do on a bicycle when in traffic. So on the F35, any turn (especially a left turn) was fraught with anxiety and multiple turns of the head to make sure no car was behind me, at all. With the signal, I can let cars know when I'm changing from "my line" much better. It is also bright enough to make a difference.
I have had one "pinch" flat, and because the tires are so small, it was INCREDIBLY difficult to change the tire: especially replacing the tire onto the wheel. (And I am a pretty strong guy with lots of tire-changing experience from cycling.) Pro-tip: deflate the inner-tube completely, move the edges of the opposing-side tire rim to the center of the wheel rim (more give), and lubricate the tire edges and wheel edges with soap and water to lubricate them so the tire slips on more easily. (I felt like such an idiot after I used the soap and water trick, which especially made replacing the tire MUCH easier).
The shock absorption is ok (mostly just the inflated tires), but hitting bumps is always going to be harsh on a scooter. I still avoid all bumps if possible.
The app interface is nifty and helpful for adjusting settings, but it is not as useful as I might have thought.
To put the scooter in "pause" mode, the scooter needs to remain powered on, which somewhat makes it even more alluring to would-be thieves (if they see it is unattended and the lights on the panel are all powered-on.) I do not feel comfortable leaving it in "pause" mode for even a few minutes. Instead, I still lock it up with my Kryptonite chain lock, which slips easily through the small front fork below the steering column.
In short, even though I am rather persnickety and I don't like to "sound like an ad" for other people's products, I do love this scooter and feel zero buyers remorse. I use it all the time. I even "run" my dog with it (he runs alongside me) so that he gets more exercise than just walking.
| Brand | Segway |
|---|---|
| Color | Black & Yellow |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Special Feature | Foldable |
| Weight Limit | 120 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 44.88"L x 18.9"W x 45.67"H |
| Number of Wheels | 2 |
| Model Name | Ninebot Electric Kick Scooter - F25/F30/F40/F66 |
| Wheel Material | Rubber |
| Item Weight | 33.3 Pounds |
| Handlebar Type | Adjustable |
| Handle Height | 26.8 Inches |
| Wheel Size | 10 Inches |
| Wheel Type | Pneumatic |
| Suspension Type | Dual Suspension |
| Brake Style | Rear Braking |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Charging Time | 6.5 Hours |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 47 x 20.25 x 8.5 inches |
| Package Weight | 18.98 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 45 x 18.9 x 19.49 inches |
| Brand Name | Segway |
| Warranty Description | 1-year limited warranty |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Suggested Users | Unisex-Adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Ninebot (Changzhou) Tech Co., Ltd. |
| Part Number | AA.00.0010.84 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Style | F30 |
| Included Components | scooter, charger, accessory box |
| Size | F30 |
