Gotrax G3 Max vs. Segway E3 Pro: I Tested Both. This Is the Scooter I Ride to Work.

When it comes to mid-range commuter electric scooters, two brands I trust the most are Segway and Gotrax. Segway started out making two-wheel transporters in 1999 and pivoted to scooters in 2015, and Gotrax entered the market two years later. Both offer a wide selection, ranging from affordable lifestyle models to high-performance ones built for long rides and off-road driving. All have reliable batteries, solid handling, and decent speed.

The Gotrax G3 Max and the Segway E3 Pro are two of the latest models I’ve tested, and each lives up to its respective brand’s reputation. They’re relatively similar across the board: both retail for $699 and have similar ranges, top speeds, weight limits, and other key specs.

The hands-on testing I had with both models gave me a clearer picture of what they do well, and just as importantly, where they fall short. With comparable prices and a lot of name-brand trust, which of these electric scooters actually performs better?

I love riding the Segway E3 Pro because, in many ways, it feels luxurious. The electric scooter is responsive but gentle, so I’m never jolted or thrown off balance by the acceleration. Riding around the city on it is almost relaxing, even when topping out at 20 mph.

One of the main reasons it feels relaxing, even at top speeds, is because of the braking system. I’m able to wind down myself slowly when I have the runway for smooth stops and also stop on a dime if the bikes or cars in front of me are too close for comfort.

At the same time, I don’t think I’ve ridden a commuter scooter with better handling than the E3 Pro. I was able to make quick turns on busy roads easily with cars driving right next to me. It was also perfect for all the micro-adjustments you need to make on busy roads to avoid pedestrians, potholes, and illegally parked cars.

The Segway E3 Pro also has a dual elastomer suspension system that uses rubber shock absorbers instead of metal springs. In combination with the tubeless tires, this provided some serious cushioning for riding on gravel, through cracked asphalt, and over big dips in the road. Like I said, smooth and luxurious.

I feel like very few electric scooters I’ve tested are better equipped for commuting through the city. The brakes and handling are ideal for busy streets and close-quarters driving, while the suspension is built to handle whatever cracks and bumps are along the way. While the top speed of 20 mph isn’t exactly anything to write home about, I rarely need it while weaving between traffic.

While the Segway succeeds for its smoothness, the Gotrax G3 Max is built with a bit more oomph. It boasts 37 miles of range, which, while only a few more miles than the Segway, is the exact sort of small difference that adds up over time commuting. If you can squeeze a few extra rides before recharging, you can slow down the inevitable battery degradation. Over a year, that adds up. Over a few, that might mean saving on a new battery or even a new scooter entirely.

What I love more than the battery life, however, is the acceleration. The scooter is downright jumpy. While the top speed of 17 mph is slower than the Segway, the short acceleration burst helps me get in front of traffic and get moving as soon as the light turns green. It also means I’m rarely stuck using my leg to kick the scooter into gear, which, while rare, can be a fear-inducing moment as New York drivers try to overtake you or honk their horns.

While I mostly appreciate that jumpiness, it is sometimes a bit too much. On occasion, I feel that acceleration a little more than I expected and need to re-steady myself on the scooter as I ride.

A small feature that I quite liked, especially on longer rides, was the slightly wider board. For most electric scooters I’ve tested, I’ve had to keep my feet in line with one another, typically right in front of left. The Gotrax G3 is just wide enough that I can put my feet next to each other or switch positions without needing to stop. For long sections of road, like riding over bridges, it’s a difference that keeps my legs a little looser and prevents me from stiffening up.

Both electric scooters do all the basic things right. They have solid range, handle well in traffic, and are going to stick it out on your daily commutes whether that’s a light ride through the neighborhood or a more active slog through busy city streets. While I love the Gotrax’s acceleration and wider board, if I want to stick to one electric scooter to ride every morning and night, the Segway E3 Pro has my vote.