Self-Balancing Scooters: Ninebot S2 vs S Max, Parts and Help
A self-balancing scooter is a two-wheeled electric scooter that keeps itself upright with gyroscopes and sensors. You lean forward to go and back to slow down. On models like the Segway miniPRO and Ninebot S you steer with a knee bar; on the S Max you steer with a hand-control bar. They're smaller and slower than kick scooters, and good for short trips, campuses, warehouses and fun rides.
Unlike cheap hoverboards, Segway-Ninebot models have big air-filled tires, an app and a steering bar, which makes them easier to learn and more stable on real pavement.
Ninebot S2 vs Ninebot S Max
These are the two Segway self-balancing models most people compare today. Both are rated by Segway; figures are the maker's own.
| Ninebot S2 | Ninebot S Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | Adjustable knee control bar | Hand-control steering wheel |
| Top speed | 11.2 mph | About 12.4 mph |
| Range | 21.7 mi typical | About 23.6 mi typical |
| Battery | – | 432 Wh |
| Weight | 30 lb | About 50.3 lb |
| Max rider weight | 220 lb | 220 lb |
| Rider height | 4'3" to 6'6" | 51.2 to 78.7 in (about 4'3" to 6'7") |
| Tires | 10.5 in tubeless, air-filled | 10 in solid, maintenance-free |
| GoKart kit | GoKart Kit2 | Ninebot GoKart Kit |
| Price | $599.99 at Segway (checked on 2026-11-04) | – |
Pick the S2 if you want the classic knee-steered feel of a miniPRO in a lighter package. Pick the S Max if you want to steer with your hands, or plan to use it with a GoKart kit a lot.
See the Ninebot S2 at Segway See the Ninebot S Max at Segway
Already own one? Parts and help
- Segway miniPRO parts, upgrades and replacements
- Ninebot S Max parts and accessories
- Self-balancing scooter parts: tires, motors, steering parts and more
- miniPRO and Ninebot S error codes and solutions
- SwallowBot speed upgrade for the miniPRO and Ninebot S
Have a discontinued miniPRO or Ninebot S? Read Segway miniPRO and Ninebot S are discontinued: what to buy instead.