The Segway E3 Pro and the Gotrax G3 Max are two of the most talked-about commuter scooters around $700. Both fold, both have 10-inch tires, and both carry riders up to about 265 lbs. So which one makes more sense for your daily ride? Popular Mechanics recently tested them side by side and picked a favorite for commuting. This Segway E3 Pro vs Gotrax G3 Max guide puts their specs next to each other and explains where each one stands out.
The Short Answer
If your commute runs through busy streets with rough pavement, the E3 Pro is built for it. It adds front and rear suspension, tubeless tires, turn signals, Apple Find My and a 2-year limited warranty. The Gotrax G3 Max lists a little more range and a lighter frame, and Popular Mechanics found its acceleration quicker.
“…if I want to stick to one electric scooter to ride every morning and night, the Segway E3 Pro has my vote.”
Tom Price, Reviews Editor, Popular Mechanics
Segway E3 Pro vs Gotrax G3 Max at a Glance
| Spec | Segway E3 Pro | Gotrax G3 Max |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $699.99 MSRP | $699 regular price |
| Top speed | Approx. 20 mph | 17 mph |
| Rated range | Approx. 34 miles (ECO), 25 miles (DRIVE), 17.5 miles (SPORT) | Up to 37 miles |
| Motor | 400 W nominal, 800 W max | 500 W |
| Battery | 36 V, 368 Wh | 48 V, 10.2 Ah |
| Suspension | Front and rear elastomer shock absorbers | None listed |
| Brakes | Front drum brake, rear electronic brake | Disc brakes |
| Tires | 10-inch tubeless | 10-inch pneumatic |
| Lights | 4 W headlight, front and rear turn signals, rear brake light, 256-color ambient light | LED headlight |
| Security | Apple Find My through the Segway Mobility app | Integrated tiller lock |
| Water resistance | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Weight | Approx. 40.1 lbs | 37 lbs |
| Max payload | 265 lbs | 264 lbs |
| Charging time | Approx. 7 hours | 5 to 6 hours |
| Safety certification | UL 2272 | UL 2272 |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 1-year limited |
Segway E3 Pro specs are from the Segway E3 Pro product page. Gotrax G3 Max specs are from Gotrax’s product page, as listed in October 2026. Prices are list prices and do not include promotions.
Ride Comfort: Suspension and Tires
This is where the two scooters differ the most. The E3 Pro uses elastomer shock absorbers at the front and rear, paired with 10-inch tubeless tires. The Gotrax G3 Max relies on its 10-inch pneumatic tires to absorb bumps rather than shock absorbers, so you’re likely to feel more of the road on the G3 Max.
Popular Mechanics found the difference on real streets. In its testing, the E3 Pro’s suspension and tubeless tires gave serious cushioning over gravel, cracked asphalt and dips in the road. The reviewer summed up the experience simply: “I love riding the Segway E3 Pro because, in many ways, it feels luxurious.”
Handling and Braking in Traffic
City commuting is full of small corrections: a pothole, a car door, a pedestrian stepping off the curb. Popular Mechanics singled out the E3 Pro’s handling here, writing, “I don’t think I’ve ridden a commuter scooter with better handling than the E3 Pro.” The reviewer also praised its brakes for both gradual stops and quick ones in close traffic.
The E3 Pro pairs a front drum brake with a rear electronic brake. The Gotrax G3 Max uses disc brakes. Both approaches can stop a commuter scooter well.
Speed and Acceleration
The E3 Pro tops out at approximately 20 mph, compared with 17 mph for the G3 Max. Popular Mechanics noted that the G3 Max feels jumpy off the line, which helps at green lights, while the E3 Pro accelerates in a more gentle, responsive way that keeps riders steady. If you prefer a calm, predictable ride in traffic, that smoother delivery is a plus. If quick starts matter most, the Gotrax has an edge.
Range and Charging
On paper, the Gotrax G3 Max lists up to 37 miles of range, and the E3 Pro is rated at approximately 34 miles in ECO mode. The two numbers come from different test conditions, so treat them as estimates rather than a direct comparison. Segway rates the E3 Pro at each mode’s top speed with a 165-lb rider at 77°F, which is why it also lists separate figures for DRIVE (approx. 25 miles) and SPORT (approx. 17.5 miles).
For most daily commutes, either scooter covers a round trip with room to spare. The E3 Pro takes about 7 hours to charge, so overnight charging works well. The G3 Max charges in 5 to 6 hours.
Portability
The Gotrax G3 Max is the lighter of the two at 37 lbs. The E3 Pro weighs approximately 40.1 lbs and folds with a dual unlocking mechanism. If you plan to carry your scooter up stairs every day, those few pounds are worth weighing. If you mostly roll it onto a train or into an elevator, the difference is small. Popular Mechanics also pointed to the G3 Max’s slightly wider deck as a comfort plus on long rides.
Lights, Security and Everyday Features
The E3 Pro adds several features that help on a daily commute:
- Turn signals and brake light: front and rear turn signals and a rear brake light help drivers see what you’re about to do.
- Headlight and ambient light: a 4 W headlight lights the road up to about 100 feet ahead, and a 256-color ambient light glows under the deck.
- Apple Find My: activate it in the Segway Mobility app, then locate your scooter with the Find My app on your Apple device.
- 2-year limited warranty: compared with a 1-year limited warranty on the G3 Max.
Both the E3 Pro and G3 Max feature water-resistant designs to help protect against everyday exposure to water. The E3 Pro’s IPX5 rating provides a higher level of water resistance, helping protect against splashes and low-pressure water jets, such as water spraying from different directions. The G3 Max’s IPX4 rating provides protection against everyday splashes, such as light water splashing onto the scooter from wet pavement or an accidental splash from a water bottle. Do not ride on slippery roads, submerge it or ride through deep water.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Your commute has rough pavement, gravel or potholes: choose the E3 Pro for its front and rear suspension and tubeless tires.
- You ride in heavy traffic: choose the E3 Pro. Popular Mechanics praised its handling and braking, and turn signals help you communicate with drivers.
- You want extra security and coverage: the E3 Pro adds Apple Find My and a 2-year limited warranty.
- You want the lightest option and quick starts: the Gotrax G3 Max is a few pounds lighter, and Popular Mechanics noted its punchy acceleration.
Planning a scooter commute? The MAX G3 Plus commuter guide covers commuting setup and riding tips, and the health benefits of riding an electric scooter explains what a scooter commute can do for you. If you need more range and speed, see MAX G3 Plus vs. MAX G3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Segway E3 Pro better than the Gotrax G3 Max?
It depends on how you ride. The E3 Pro adds front and rear suspension, tubeless tires, turn signals, Apple Find My and a 2-year limited warranty, and Popular Mechanics chose it for daily commuting. The Gotrax G3 Max lists more range and weighs less.
Which is faster, the Segway E3 Pro or the Gotrax G3 Max?
The E3 Pro has a top speed of approximately 20 mph. The Gotrax G3 Max tops out at 17 mph.
Does the Segway E3 Pro have suspension?
Yes. It uses front and rear elastomer shock absorbers along with 10-inch tubeless tires.
How much does the Segway E3 Pro cost?
The Segway E3 Pro has an MSRP of $699.99.