Whenever a team like Segway launches a new product, you can bet your bottom dollar that the entire world will be watching. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening today with the official launch of the ZT3 Pro, Segway’s long-awaited off-road-ready machine.
Dear friends, the world first heard about Segway’s newest beast, the ZT3 Pro, earlier this year (2024). However, the official launch of the ZT3 Pro is today (September 5, 2024) and with that, we’re taking a deeper dive into everything Segway has put together for us.
Now, Segway is the kind of team that needs no introduction. After all, they’ve been around for years—since 1999, to be precise. So, being the proverbial granddaddy of the urban mobility industry, you can expect a fantastic machine.
While official pre-orders in the US will open on September 25th, that should give you plenty of time to compare and contrast this unit with others on the market. But let’s face it: this is Segway. When you consider that this team has created all sorts of off-road vehicles in recent years, including ATVs and side-by-sides, you can see that this ZT3 Pro is clearly something else.
Photo: Segway
Like any other electric scooter on the market, it all starts with a carbon steel frame. To give the ZT3 its strength, comfort, and capability, Segway has opted to go with a full-suspension design, with a telescopic front fork and a sprung rear swingarm, but the real payoff here is the six inches of ground clearance, perfect for riding over rough and uneven terrain.
Massive 11-inch (28 cm) tires also help you efficiently overcome small rocks and pebbles on your path. But, for use in the city center, the steering column also folds down for easy storage or transportation to and from the outskirts of your city.
One aspect of the deck and steering column that I want to highlight is the look and visual design that Segway has in store here. Honestly, this thing looks sick; the black body panels are set off by a backdrop of red paint on the frame. I think it looks pretty darn cool and tells riders and observers that this is a pretty serious machine, and it is; there’s some cool tech built into its functionality; more on that in a moment. That deck can also handle 1,540 lbs (699 kg) of static pressure,
But first, we need to explore the power this beast can spit out. One feature that riders will definitely love is the 1,600W peak motor bolted to the back of the ZT3 Pro. With this little bit of power, the ZT3 can reach a top speed of just under 25 mph (40 km/h), more than enough to get you around town on your way to work or meet up with friends.
Photo: Segway
But remember, the reason for all this power is simply that the ZT3 is designed to handle off-road use. According to Segway, a 25% uphill grade is also the maximum for this Electric vehicleIf you ask me, those are some pretty good stats.
Frankly, that’s a pretty hungry motor for something so small, so to ensure a respectable range, Segway integrates a battery into the deck, and while they don’t mention how big it might be, we do know that under testing conditions, the ZT3 can go a maximum of 43.5 miles (70 km) on a single charge. If you’re up to speed on the kind of range the current e-scooter industry can muster, you know that’s a pretty solid number. Segway mentions that riding the ZT3 in Sport mode will give us a maximum range of up to 18.6 miles (30 km).
Now, this is Segway, so expect to see some really cool tricks up the ZT3 Pro’s sleeve, and one of those is the updated BMS 2.0, which gives us ten levels of charge protection and a fast-charge capability that recharges the ZT3 with 6.2 miles of range in just 30 minutes. A full charge can take up to four hours. RideyLong software is also in the mix, extending range by up to 20 percent, all thanks to a controller algorithm.
Photo: Segway
Since this electric scooter is also intended for riders who venture off the beaten path, Segway thought it would be a great idea to add traction (TCS) and stability control systems (Segride) to the ZT3, features that will not only make the ride smooth but also ensure maximum safety in all driving conditions. Speaking of driving conditions, this beauty comes with an IPX5 rating for the body and IPX7 for the battery.
As for electronics, the ZT3 integrates with Apple’s “Find My” feature and an app and LCD that help you keep an eye on diagnostics at all times, even when you’re locking and unlocking the vehicle. Once you add headlights, taillights, and brakes, you’re looking at an EV that weighs 65.5 pounds (29.7 kg) and can handle a payload of 265 pounds (120 kg).
Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but Segway is offering a discount for people who show interest in the ZT3 Pro early on. Be sure to check it out. What do you think of Segway’s new urban and off-road machine? Feel free to comment below.