Segway’s first off-road scooter rolls over rough terrain on 11-inch wheels

The new Segway-Ninebot ZT3 Pro is the company’s first electric scooter that’s designed to handle terrain considerably rougher than the average urban commute.

Weighing a hefty 65.5lbs, the ZT3 Pro pairs 11-inch tubeless tires with a fork suspension on the front, a coil suspension swing arm on the back, and six inches of ground clearance beneath its deck. That setup should not only provide a smoother ride when going off road but also help reduce the risk of the ZT3 Pro bottoming out when traversing uneven terrain.

Powered by a 1,600-watt electric motor, the US version of the ZT3 Pro will have a top speed of 24.9mph and a maximum range of 18.6 miles in its full-power sport mode. Switching to a much slower eco mode will boost the scooter’s range to almost 44 miles, but the ZT3 Pro seems more appealing for quick bursts of high-speed fun. You’ll just want to make sure you’re wearing more safety gear than a bicycle helmet if you do plan to hit the trails at its top speed.

Given the ZT3 Pro will be potentially driven over sand, dirt, gravel, and even wet surfaces, Segway includes a traction control system that works alongside the company’s “Segride stability enhancement system” to reduce wheel slip and handlebar shake. You won’t want to ride the ZT3 Pro through very deep puddles, as its body and internal components only come with water-resistant IP ratings, but riding it in the rain shouldn’t be an issue thanks to front and rear disc brakes that will bring the scooter to a stop even in wet conditions.

A simple three-inch LCD screen serves as the rider’s dashboard, with information on speed and the battery’s remaining charge, while a headlight, turn signals, and brake light allow the ZT3 Pro to be used even after the sun has gone down. Security features include a Bluetooth-based system that will only allow the scooter to be ridden while in the proximity of a paired smartphone running the Segway-Ninebot app, plus support for Apple’s Find My network, allowing the ZT3 Pro to be tracked should it go missing.

Segway plans to make the ZT3 Pro scooter available for preorder starting on September 26th, with shipping expected as early as late October. Pricing details haven’t yet been revealed.