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    REVIEW: Segway-Ninebot C2 Lite Kids eKickScooter

    Electric scooters have become a popular choice for kids seeking fun and eco-friendly transportation. Enter the Segway-Ninebot C2 Lite Kids eKickScooter, a model designed to combine safety, style, and functionality for young riders. Let’s take a closer look to see if this scooter delivers on its promise.

    I’ve enjoyed adult eScooters for years and while I technically can ride this, it’s my 6yo daughter’s turn to enjoy the fun and she’s helped me write this detailed review.

    Design

    The Segway-Ninebot C2 Lite embraces a playful yet practical design tailored for children aged 6 to 12. With vibrant color options and a lightweight frame, it feels approachable and easy to handle. The low deck height enhances stability, while the textured footboard prevents slips, a crucial safety feature for young riders.

    Compared to previous models like the C1, the C2 Lite sports a more modern aesthetic with improved ergonomics.

    While the design is technically foldable, that requires the use of an Alen Key to remove two bolts before you can remove the handlebars. This is fine for transporting (like taking it away on holidays), but not something you’ll want to do daily. Not having a foldable design, is a little bit of a surprise, given it is present on some of their other products.

    A really nice design flair that really makes it fun for the rider, is the integration of LED lighting under the deck. This changes based on the riding mode.

    The riding modes are controlled through the power button which doubles as a mode selector. You get visual feedback when shifting through the modes by the display at the base of the handlebars shows the Mode indicator, alongside the remaining battery life.

    When you want to accelerate, it feels pretty natural, just press your right thumb down on the trigger. There’s a decent range of motion here, offering great control over the speed you wish to travel inside the envelope of the current mode.

    When it comes time to slow or stop, just grab the handle on the left which feels very natural for those who are familiar with riding a bike.

    When you need to exit the scooter, there’s a small kickstand under the deck that allows the scooter to stand and in this position, it really is quite stable.

    Performance

    For a scooter aimed at children, the C2 Lite has to accommodate a range of skill and age levels. Ninebot does this by offering 3 speed options available from the mode selector.

    The entry level for beginners, possibly best for those having their first experience of stepping up from a manual scooter to an electric scooter.

    • In Power Assist Mode (E), the scooter is slower, ensuring a safe but enjoyable ride.
    • In Standard Mode (D), the scooter’s top speed grows to 12km/hr.
    • In Sport Mode (S), the scooter can go up to 16 km/hr, great for those more advanced riders.

    Finally there’s the Power Assist Mode that makes the eKickscooter perform like an eBike, assistoing the rider for easy gliding each time you push off the ground. In this mode, the top speed is also 16km/hr.

    The maximum range of the battery is 10 km which is absolutely more than enough for young riders. I could even see this being taken away on holidays and not having to bring the charger. When it does come to charging, it takes around 2 hours to get a full charge and while I wish this was USB-C for maximum compatibility, it isn’t.

    During testing the scooter performed excellent when used by my daughter, and even by myself on flat surfaces (I far exceed the weight and height of the target audience). The speed of a device like this will be heavily impacted by the weight of the rider, particularly on display when riding uphill. With modest inclines, the scooter does really well and while this isn’t a full off-road design, the wheel size does allow use across harder surfaces like compressed gravel, and short gras, it would struggle on softer surfaces.

    Features

    The C2 Lite with a range of features that prioritize safety and usability:

    • Smart Battery Management System (BMS): Protects against overcharging and overheating.
    • LED Lighting: The under-deck LEDs not only look cool but improve visibility during early evenings.
    • Foldable Frame: At just 9.5 kg, it’s incredibly easy for kids or parents to transport.
    • Dual Braking System: Combines an e-brake and a rear foot brake for reliable stopping power.
    • Adjustable Speed Modes: Parents can set speed limits, with options for beginner and advanced riders.

    While the features are robust, the absence of a mobile app for parental controls feels like a missed opportunity. Competitors like Razor’s Electric Party Pop offer app integration, giving parents peace of mind.

    Issues and Opportunities

    While the C2 Lite has plenty of positives, there’s room for improvement.

    The C2 Lite is actually one of threes scooters in the C2 lineup and while it’s the cheapest, it’s hard understand why Segway-Ninebot decided the C2 Lite would not feature a foldable quickrelease. While this does reduce the overall part count by a couple of items, you’d think that production scale would easily accommodate for any cost savings. If the scooter was foldable (easily), then it’ll increase the number of times you take it with you and in some cars, it simply won’t fit in it’s full form.

    The rear wheel guard of the C2 Light features a reflector, while other products feature an actual brake light. This may be another cost saving exercise, however, it may be safer for the little ones if riding at the edge of sunlight if this was a light, something to consider.

    Price and Availability

    The Segway-Ninebot C2 Lite Kids eKickScooter is quite popular in Australia, below is a list of retailers where you can find it, along with their prices and links:

    Segway Australia: This is the official Segway online store in Australia. They currently have the C2 Lite listed for just A$299.00 (down from the normal A$399 – https://www.segway.com.au/products/segway-ninebot-c2-lite-electric-kickscooter-blue

    JB Hi-Fi: A major electronics retailer in Australia. JB Hi-Fi also has the C2 Lite listed at the discounted A$299 instead of the RRP of A$399.
    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/segway-ninebot-c2-lite-kids-electric-kickscooter-blue

    iScoot: A specialist scooter retailer with a wide range of electric scooters. They have the C2 Lite for you guessed it, A$289. https://iscoot.com.au/products/segway-ninebot-c2-lite-electric-scooter

    Overall

    The Segway-Ninebot C2 Lite Kids eKickScooter strikes a balance between fun, safety, and convenience. I love the design, its well thought through in terms of styling to be kid-friendly and for it’s size offers a fairly wide deck, making it easier for novice riders.

    The performance and ride modes do a great job of accommodating the different sized riders this is targeting (115cm – 145cm) and under 50kg.

    If your kid is aged 6-10yrs, then this is definitely a gift that’s sure to impress this Christmas, giving them a taste of entertainment and freedom. Be sure to consider pairing it with the Segway-Ninebot Kids Helmet, it’s also on sale right now for A$69.00.

    While they don’t impact the rider experience, the RGB lighting underglow with the Segway-Ninebot C2 Lite adds a cool design element and actually something I’d like to see on more scooters. Overall, this product delivers a solid package for its price, offering hours of fun with minimal compromise.

    Jason Cartwright
    Jason Cartwrighthttps://techau.com.au/author/jason/
    Creator of techAU, Jason has spent the dozen+ years covering technology in Australia and around the world. Bringing a background in multimedia and passion for technology to the job, Cartwright delivers detailed product reviews, event coverage and industry news on a daily basis. Disclaimer: Tesla Shareholder from 20/01/2021

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